Published by the SAARC Disastger Management Centre, New

Any part of this publication may be cited, copied, translated in other languages or adpted to meet local needs with prior permission from SAARC Disaster Management Centre, New Delhi

@ SDMC 2013

This report has been authored by the professionals of SAA- RC Disaster Management Centre with assistance and sup- port of staffs under the overall guidance of Director, SDMC.

Editorial Team O. P. Mishra, M. Ghatak Assistance : N. M. Akram , Ranjan Kumar Data Compliation : Hari Dass Sharma, Mahesh Kumar, Yashika Sharma

ISBN : 13:978-81-907841-3-9

Designed & Printed by CELLULOID Patparganj Industrial Area, Delhi +91-11- 22487531, 9811297670 email: [email protected] Contents

Preface (V)

Chapter 1 : Introduction 1

PART - I: HYDRO-METEOROLOGICAL DISASTERS Chapter 2 : Cyclone 9 Chapter 3 : Flood 20 Chapter 4 : Drought 37 Chapter 5 : Avalanche 54 Chapter 6 : Heat and Cold Wave 58 Chapter 7 : Forest Fire 63

PART - II: GEOLOGICAL DISASTERS Chapter 8 : Earthquake 68 Chapter 9 : Landslide 94

PART - III: MANMADE DISASTERS Chapter 10 : Epidemics 99 Chapter 11 : Man-Made Disasters 111 Chapter 12 : Conclusion 133

DISASTER DATA - SOUTH ASIA 2011 Appendix I-A: South Asia Disaster Profile 2011 136 Appendix I-B: South Asia Disaster Events 2011 139 Appendix II : Storms in South Asia 2011 142 Appendix III : Flood in South Asia2011 143 Appendix IV : Cold and Heat waves in South Asia2011 144 Appendix V-A : Earthquake events in South Asia 2011 145 Appendix V-B : Earthquake Data of South Asia-2011 148 Appendix V-C: Earthquake data of South Asia-2011 152 Appendix V-D : Earthquake in South Asia 2001-2011 154 Appendix VI-A : Landslide Events in South Asia2011 157 Appendix VI-B : Avalanche Events in South Asia2011 160 Appendix VII-A: Epidemics in South Asia2011 161 Appendix VII-B: Epidemics in South Asia-2011 as compiled by Pro MED 162 Appendix VIII : Man-made Disasters in South Asia 2011 181

Preface

Despite its negative consequences, disaster's also offer good opportunities to formulate forward looking policies pertaining to social development, economic growth, environmental quality and jus- tice, in addition to essential value that contribute to sustainability. For effective disaster Management it is utmost significance re-evaluate what is working in the sector of disaster management, what can be improved and what tomorrow might bring. Keeping this view SAARC Disaster Management Centre has initiated on the process of compilation of South Asia Disaster Report. Like the previous four issues of the report, SADR 2011 is largely based on the data published by the Emergency Disaster Database (EM-DAT) maintained by the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disaster (CRED) Leuven, Belgium, which is acknowledged as the most authentic global data base of disaster. However, this has been supplemented by information available from other reliable government, inter-government and non-government sources. Further SDMC has been collecting disaster related information from its daily scanning of the major newspapers pub- lished in South Asia, based on which a weekly Disaster Update is being published. The report has been structured largely on the pattern of previous four reports. In total 13 chapters of the report have been distributed in three parts. Part I deals with hydro-meteorological disasters, e.g. cyclone, flood, drought, glacial lake outburst, avalanche, heat and cold wave and forest fire; Part II covers the geological disasters of earthquake and landslide; while Part III discusses the man-made and biological disasters. The introductory chapter critically analyzes overall disasters in numbers as well as damages to life and property. The concluding chapter summarizes the main findings of the report based on critical analysis. Most of the chapters have separate appendices on disaster statistics from various sources. The report is the collective efforts of the professionals of the SDMC, who had to work hand with- out adequate support of reliable data. We realize that there is future scope for improvement in data presentation and interpretation. SDMC welcomes constructive comments and criticisms from the readers which would be useful for drafting the disaster report for the year 2012. We are determined to make SADR as the most important and basic reference material on disaster in South Asia.

New Delhi March, 2013 (SATENDRA) Director, SAARC Disaster Management Centre.

South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Chapter 1 Introduction

The year 2011 witnessed a slight decrease in to natural disasters during the year 2011. As the occurrence of natural disasters globally. As against 296,800 casualties during the year 2010, against 373 natural disaster events (country only around 29,782 people were killed dur- level disasters) in the year 2010, 302 natural di- ing 2011(Table 1.1a). The economic damage to saster events were recorded in the year 20111. property and infrastructure due to natural disas- As against a total of 207 million people af- ters during the year 2011 is estimated at around fected due to natural disasters in the year 2010, 366 billion US$ as against 109 billion during the around 206 million people were affected due year 2010.

Table 1.1(a): Comparative Global Natural Disasters (2008- 2011) at a glance (Source: CRED 2011)2

Indicator 2001-2010 2008 2009 2010 2011 Yearly average Number of country –level 384 354 335 373 302 Disasters Number of People killed 106,887 235816 10418 296800 29,782 Number of affected 232 million 214.3 million 119.52 million 207 million 206 million Economic Damages(US$) 108 billion 190.30 billion 41.28 billion 109 billion 366 billion

A critical analysis of Figure 1.1(a) shows that a total of 302 natural disasters of various kinds were reported for the year 2011 in the world, while the average number of occurrence of natural disas- ter during preceding ten years (2000 – 2010) was found to be 384. The number of natural disasters occurred in the world during the year 2011 con- stituted only 78.64% of those of average natural disasters that occurred during the preceding de- cade (2000 – 2010). Analyses, however, showed that the year 2011 had similar pattern of disas- ter than that of the preceding decade. Flood was Figure 1.1(a): Comparative of global average of natural disasters (2000- found to be a severe natural disaster in terms of 2010) and global occurrence of natural disasters during 2011(Source: Annual Disaster Statistical Review, 2011: The Numbers and Trends, frequency followed by storm, earthquake, and ex- CRED, 2011)2 treme temperatures in terms of their occurrences.

| 1 | Introduction

Figure 1.1 (b): Temporal distribution of Natural Disaster (1900-2011). ( source: www.emdat.be)

Trend of Disasters that the South Asia had experienced climate The Fig.1.1(b) show that the global trend of change induced hydro-meteorological and disasters in the year 2011 was found to be con- geophysical natural disasters (Flood, coastal sistently increasing in number of hydro-mete- floods, mass movement and Earthquake). The orological disasters in the world. Incidents of pattern of distribution was similar to that of geological disasters like earthquakes, landslides global natural disaster events. However, a total of and volcanic activity have remained more or 173 hydro-meteorological disasters were found less constant, even though the impact of these to have decreased from 195 events in compari- disasters in terms of loss and injuries of life and son to the preceding decade (2001-2011). The damages of buildings and infrastructures have EMDAT data base show that the average number worsened, probably due to rapid growth of un- of victim (139.77 million) reported during (2001 planned settlements and unsafe building practic- – 2010) was decreased to 108.70 Million in the es. The hydro meteorological disasters like flood, year 2011, while the economic loss (70.72U$) due drought, windstorms, cyclones, tornadoes and to hydrological disasters increased significantly other extreme climatic events, on the other hand compared to the preceding decade (2001-2010) have been continuously on the rise as would be [Table-1.1(b)]. The overall economic loss due to evident from the above figure 1.1(b). This trend of various types of disasters during the year 2011 distribution of natural disasters gets enhanced in was found to be due to earthquake disaster (US$ the time frame during 1980 – 2010, while in the 230.30), which more in comparison to the pre- year 2011 the temporal distribution of natural ceding decade (2001 – 2010), which was about disasters gets declined (Fig. 1.1b), which is very 62.90 % of the total economic loss (366.12 during much corroborative with Table 1.1(a). the year 2011 A rigorous compilation and analyses of di- The analyses of global disaster data showed saster data during the year 2011 demonstrated that the mortality of people during various types

| 2 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Table1.1(b): A brief on global Natural disasters in 2011 [Source: www.emdat.be]

Disaster Number Disaster Victims in millions Economics loss 2001-2010 2011 2001-2010 Victim2011 2001-2010 Damage2011 Average occurrence Average (million) Average (US$) (Billion) (Million) (US$) (Billion) Flood, Landslide 195 173 139.77 108.70 21.09 70.72 (Hydrological) Cyclone, Storms 105 84 38.52 39.10 54.77 50.87 (Meterological) Drought, Heat-Cold 50 39 77.23 64.60 9.10 14.23 (Climatological) Earthquke (Geo- 35 36 8.92 1.76 24.08 230.30 Physical,Volcano) Total 385 332 264.44 214.16 109.04 366.12 of disasters in the year 2011 was varied unevenly in different continents of the globe. Figure 1.1 (c) suggests that the Asia continent was most affect- ed (89%) by different types of disaster in the year 2011 in comparison to those of other continents, which infer that the Asia is most prone to natural hazards both in terms of loss of lives and prop- erty. Most interestingly, the disaster economic costs of different continents in the year 2011 also witnessed the highest zone of the economic loss (75%) in comparison to those of other continents of the globe (Fig 1.1d). Figure1.1(d): Distribution of Disaster Economic costs of different Continents (in %) during the year 2011

The South Asia Scenario During the year 2011, South Asia region wit- nessed a large number of natural and man- made disasters of varying frequency and magnitude. In terms of impacts of these disasters, 2011 is also one of the most devastating years for the SAARC region. Table 1.3 demonstrates that a total of 291 natural disasters occurred in South Asia, which constituted about 96.5% of the total natural di-

Figure 1.1(c): Disaster mortality of different continent (in %) during the sasters (302) that occurred in the globe (Table year 2011 1.1a). This again inferred that majority of natural

| 3 | Introduction

Table1.3: Number of Natural Disaster Events in South Asia Bhutan India Maldives Nepal Pakistan Sri Total Lanka Drought 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Earthquake 34 0 1 27 1 45 13 0 121 Epidemic 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 Extreme 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 0 6 temperature Flood 2 1 0 7 0 2 1 3 16 Avalanche 2 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 8 Landslide 3 25 1 32 0 63 7 0 131 Storm 1 1 0 3 0 0 0 1 6 Total 43 29 2 71 2 115 24 5 291 Source-EM- DAT and data compiled by SDMC from various media source disasters were concentrated in South Asia. The Bangladesh (9.96%); Bhutan(0.68%); Maldives compilation of Disaster events by SDMC team (0.68%); Pakistan ( 8.25%); and Sri Lanka(1.72%). from various sources, including SDMC and EM- DAT showed that number of landslide occurred in South Asia was the highest (131), followed by earthquake events (121), and flood (16). Figure 1.2(a) shows that the percentage dis- tribution of natural events in Nepal (39.55%) and India (24.39%) was higher than the other Member States of SAARC during the year 2011. The per- centage distribution of events in other SAARC Member States showed non-uniform distribution of natural events, such as Afghanistan (14.77%); Fig1.2(a): Distribution of disaster Events country wise in South Asia 2011

Table1.4: Pattern of Disaster Death in South Asia2011

Cyclone Earth- Drought Avalanche Flood H&C Land slides Epidemic Total quake waves Afghanistan 21 - - 24 62 - 3 - 110 Bangladesh 13 - - - 10 62 25 - 110 Bhutan - 1 - - - - 1 - 2 India 106 112 - - 608 212 32 - 1070 Maldives - - - - - 4 4 Nepal - 7 - 6 104 42 63 - 222 Pakistan - 2 - 3 509 7 - 521 Sri Lanka 22 - - - 65 24 167 278 Total 162 122 - 33 1358 316 155 171 2317 Source:EM- DAT and data compiled by SDMC from various media sources

| 4 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Table 1.4 shows that a total of 2317 people the year 2011, among which 112 were from In- were killed in various disasters related events in dia, seven from Nepal, two from Pakistan, and one the SAARC region in the year 2011. The maximum from Bhutan. The loss of lives in South Asia due to number of people killed in India (1070) followed earthquake in the year 2011was mainly due to the by Pakistan (521), Sri Lanka (278) and Nepal (222). 18th September 2011 Sikkim – Nepal earthquake The percentage distribution of people killed dur- (Mw 6.9) that rocked the border area of Nepal ing the year 2011 demonstrated different intensi- and the Sikkim province of India. However, the ty of disaster events that killed people differently South Asia region, during the year 2011 witnessed as shown in Figure 1.2(b). In the Year 2011, South much higher casualties on account of man- made Asia witnessed maximum number of causali- disasters (i.e., Industrial, chemical, fire accidents, ties that occurred due hydro-meteorological and road, rail, boat accidents, bomb blasts, stampedes, geological / geophysical disaster events (Fig. 1.2c). epidemics etc) compared to the year 2010. The re- gion during the year 2011 also witnessed a num- ber of forest fires in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhu- tan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The analyses of Figure 1.2 (c) showed that more than 58% of people died in natural disasters in year 2011, which was mainly attributed to the Flood in which about 46% casulities accounted for India. People killed due to extreme temperature in South Asia was estimated 11.63% while casualities Fig1.2(b): A disgram showing country wise Percentage of death by caused by earthquke and landslide were estimat- Natural Disaster in year 2011 ed as 6.68% and 5.26% respectevily. In comprision However, the total number of deaths in the to 2010, the occurrences of hydrometeorological region during 2011 due to natural disasters is disasters during 2011 in the South Asia may be lesser (2317) than the total number of deaths due to climate change and global warming . The occurred (3863) in the preceding year 20103. The climate change influnced the statistices of rain- devastations caused by cyclonic storms in the falls in this region causing urban flooding in most SAARC region during the year 2011was also found part of India , Sri Lanka and Pakistan . to be lesser (162) in comparison to the preced- ing year 2010 (299)3. The number of deaths due to avalanches in the region was also significantly lesser than the previous year. The distribution of landslideds also shows that there is a declin- ing trend which can be attributed to a reflection of intensified landslide mitigation measures and community awareness in the region. Deaths due to earthquakes, it was found that a total of 122 Fig1.2(c):Showing the death percentage by different natural calamities people were killed in the SAARC region during in Year 2011

| 5 | Introduction

Table1.5: Number of people affected by Natural Disasters in South Asia 2011

Cyclone Earth- Drought Avalanche Flood H&C Land Epi- Total quake waves slides demic Afghanistan 5 - 1750000 - 12810 - - - 1762815 Bangladesh 121 - - - 1570559 102000 - - 1672680 Bhutan - 20016 ------20016 India 250050 575200 - - 12004069 - - - 12829319 Maldives ------1289 1289 Nepal - 167949 - - 1858 25000 - - 194807 Pakistan - 1000 - - 5400755 - - - 5401755 Sri Lanka 35041 - - - 1293924 - - 26343 1355308 Total 285217 764165 1750000 - 20283975 127000 - 27632 23237989

Source-EM- DAT and data compiled by SDMC from various media source

The information collected from the national on natural resource causing poverty and water news bulletins of the SAARC members coun- scarcity. About 1750000 people were affected by tries as well as global data source indicated drought in various in that about 23,23,7,989 people were affected due the year 2011. Another natural disaster, like Cy- to natural events especially by flood, drought, clone “Thane” hit some parts of India. Sri Lanka cyclone, earthquake , extreme temperature , ava- experienced damage in year 2011. According to lanche and landslide in SAARC member coun- database of EMDAT, about 285217 people affect- tries during the year 2011(Table 1.5). People ed by Cyclone in SAARC region during this year affected due to natural disasters in region (Table 1.5). The economic damages estimated (Table 1.5) shows that most affected people be- due to natural disasters in the year 2011 in South longed to Pakistan, Bangladesh and India in Asia was found to be in a tune of US$ 4796 Mil- which majority of them were affected by flood. In lion as detailed deistribution of economic dam- Afghanistan severe drought had huge impact age are shown in Table 1.6.

Table1.6: Economic damage (US$000) due in Disasters in South Asia2011 Cyclone Earth- Drought Avalanche Flood H&C Land Epidemic Total quake waves slides Afghanistan - 142000 - 1654000 - - - 1796000 Bangladesh ------Bhutan ------India 375625 ------375625 Maldives ------Nepal ------Pakistan - - - - 2500000 - - - 2500000 Sri Lanka - - - - 500000 - - - 500000 Total 375625 - 142000 - 4654000 - - - 5171625 Source:EM- DAT and data compiled by SDMC from various media source

| 6 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Comprehensive data on damage and loss were used for preparation of South Asia Disaster due to disasters in South Asia region is not avail- Report, 2011. able from any single source, which, however es- The year 2011 started with a tragic incident timates losses only in respect of five countries of which occurred in Anantapur district in Andhra South Asia, i.e., Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Ne- Pradesh, India on the New Year eve, when a lorry pal and Sri Lanka. SDMC has corroborated with hit an auto rickshaw coming in the opposite di- its own collected data from various sources of rection resulting in the instant death of 11 per- Member States with that of EM-DAT4 to make sons on the spot on January 1, 2011. The year a comprehensive analyses to understand the also witnessed a major stampede incident on trend and impact of various kinds of disasters. January 14, at a Hindu shrine in Pamba at Sabari- EMDAT classifies countries in terms of two cat- mala in the Pattanamthitta district of Kerala, egories: those countries that were the worst af- India, wich resulted in killing of 102 pilgrims and fected in terms of the number of people killed; injuring at least 100 more. The year 2011 also wit- and secondly a set of those countries which nessed a major fire accident on 9th December were affected due to the natural disasters in 2011 in AMRI Hospital which is located in Kol- terms of number of people. EMDAT may not re- kata in which the fire killed 91 patients, including cord the disaster events due to avalanches and three hospital staffers. The year 2011 ended with landslides. EMDAT takes into consideration only a natural disaster in the form of Cyclone, "Thane" those disaster events in which ten or more per- that hit Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puduch- sons were killed or 100 or more people were ery states of India. The south-eastern coastline of injured. This may not be the criteria for other or- India was affected severely that resulted in death ganizations. Although reliance has been placed of over 53 people and caused severe damage to on EM-DAT database for uniformity in approach, property, infrastructure and environment. Dur- wherever discrepancies were noticed, the data ing the year, the response from Governments in from published government reports were used South Asia to natural disasters was overall very to supplement the international data base. As encouraging and well structured. Response, res- mentioned above, SAARC Disaster Management cue, relief and rehabilitation were followed by Centre has also established a mechanism for SAARC Member States under their long term bringing out daily disaster reports and weekly mitigation and risk reduction programs for major disaster reports based on credible media report- disasters were encouraging. ing from South Asia. These daily / weekly infor- This South Asia Disaster Report, 2011 gives mation were used strategically to fill information an account of all the natural as well as man- gaps and supplement EM-DAT data. In addition, made disasters, which occurred in South Asia data collected from various sources5,6, SDMC also region during the year 2011. The report also compiled data from its own source i.e., from the analyzes how these disaster events were man- daily information collected from daily news pa- aged, responded to, and highlights the signifi- per reports and survey of news bulletins from cant steps taken up by the concerned countries all the SAARC member countries and compiled for disaster relief, response, recovery and long comprehensive data6. All these data sources term mitigation. Subsequent chapters have

| 7 | Introduction

captured the incidence of major natural and References man - made disasters in all the SAARC member 1. Annual Disaster Statistical Review, 2011: The Num- countries, and dealt at length how these disas- bers and Trends. Centre for Research on the Epide- ters were responded and also brought into fo- miology of Disasters (CRED), Leuven, Belgium. cus the achievements and shortcomings in pre- 2. http://cred.be/sites/default/files/Press_Release_ paredness, response, relief, rehabilitation and UNISDR-2011_03.pdf. recovery and also the lessons learnt from these 3. South Asia Disaster Reports 2008, 2009 & 2010. disaster events of 2011. Since it is not possible Published by the SAARC Disaster Management to provide detailed accounts of all the disasters Centre. that occurred due to time and space limitations, 4. EM-DAT: www.emdat.be. an attempt is made in the present South Asia 5. SAARC Member Country Reports, Newspapers Disaster Report, 2011 to cover all the major and and other sources important disaster events that occurred in the 6. Weekly Disaster Updates, SAARC Disaster Man- SAARC region during the year 2011. agement Centre, New Delhi

| 8 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Chapter 2 Cyclone

An Overview whereas, in the year 2011 there was only one Many of the South Asian countries, especially VSCS, "Thane" that hit the south-eastern coast of those bound by coastline have been perennially India and parts of Sri Lanka. The frequency dis- vulnerable to the threat of cyclones arising in tribution of cyclonic disturbances for the period the North Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. How- 1997-2011 shows a current receding trend in ever, in 2011, the devastations caused by storms the frequency of occurrence in the region (fig- and cyclones in the SAARC countries were much ure 2.1) in an overall waxing and waning trend. less than the preceding year. As per the Em-dat It shows a decreasing trend from 1998 to 2000 sources (Appendix II, Table 2.1., Fig. 2.1), there after which the frequency of cyclones in the re- were six disturbances in the year 2011 and the gion reached a plateau continuing up to 2003 number of people killed was also appreciably only to spiral up into an increasing trend ending less, 162 as compared to 265 people killed in in 2007. The frequency has followed a decreas- the year 2010 in South Asia1. In 2010, there were ing trend since then although; the region has two Severe Cyclonic Storms (SCS), Laila and Jal been a sufferer to some major cyclones in this and one Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) Phet later phase too.

Table 2.1. Storms in the South Asian region in 2011 (Source: www.emdat.be).

Start End Country Location(s) Disaster Disaster Name Killed Total type sub type affected 10/02/2011 14/02/2011 Afghanistan Daykundi Storm Local 21 5 Storm 04/04/2011 04/04/2011 Bangladesh Sherpur, Storm Local 1'3 121 Mymensingh, Storm Rang 15/04/2011 15/04/2011 India Karnataka Storm Local 17 State Storm 29/12/2011 30/12/2011 India Cuddalore, Storm Tropical Cyclone 47 250000 Puducherry Cyclone Thane 20/05/2011 20/05/2011 India Uttar Storm Local 42 50 Pradesh Storm 24/11/2011 27/11/2011 Sri Lanka South Storm Local 22 35041 Storm

| 9 | IntroductionCyclone

Figure 2.1:Number of cyclonic disturbances in South Asian region (Data Figure 2.4:Percentage of people killed in South Asia due to storms in Source: Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and www.emdat.be). 2011 (Data source: www.emdat.be).

The year 2011 witnessed lesser number of deaths in the region due to storm events, India recording the maximum among them (106, 65%, Fig. 2.3 and Fig.2.4. Table 2.1). One of the remark- able features of the storm incidents in 2011 was that Bangladesh, one of the high cyclone risk countries and bearer of the scars of many past cyclones, recorded lesser number of fatalities as compared to Afghanistan and Sri Lanka (Fig. 2.3 Figure 2.2:Percentage of storm events in South Asia between 2000 and and Fig. 2.4). 2011 (Data source: www.emdat.be).

An analysis of the number of storm events in Incidence of Storms and Cyclones in the region for the period 2000-2011 shows (Fig. the South Asian Countries in 2011 2.2) that Bangladesh, with its exposed coastline, had the major share of the storms in the region Storm (April 4, 2011) followed closely by India. Among the other coun- At the onset of the summer season in the tries, Sri Lanka though shows lesser number of month of April, a storm lashed across parts of storm events as compared to Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Seven districts namely, Jamalpur, Pakistan, it has bore the brunt of some of the ma- Sherpur, Mymensinh, Gaibandha, Joupurhat and jor cyclones arising in the North Indian Ocean. Bogra were affected taking a toll of 13 lives and nearly 121 people affecting. It caused a large scale uprooting of trees and electric poles; bat- tering and destruction of thatched houses to various degrees; damage to crops and infra- structure (Fig. 2.5. 2.6). Gaibandha was severely affected, nearly 45 people were injured and over 800 houses were damaged in the storm while in Figure 2.3: Number of people killed in South Asia due to storms in the year 2011 (Data source: www.emdat.be). Sherpur nearly 300 houses were damaged2, 3.

| 10 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Storm (May 20, 2011) During a spell of rising heat in the begin- ning of summer, many parts of India experienced local storm. In one such event in May, 42 people perished and 50 were injured in the storm when torrential rains and thunderstorms lashed in northern part of India. The affected districts were Ghaziabad, Shah- jahanpur, Budaun, Meerut, Bulandshahr, Lakh-

Figure 2.5:Damage caused by storm in parts of Bangladesh (Source: The impur-Kheri and where strong winds Daily Star). lashed early in the morning. The storm uproot- ed electricity poles and trees (Fig. 2.7), snapped communication links, knocked down hoardings and also crushed mud-thatched houses. Shahja- hanpur was the worst hit, with 16 people killed in the storm while in Budaun that lashed in the wee hours of the morning5.

Figure 2.6:Thatched houses affected by the storm in Bangladesh (Source: http://www.worldvision.com).

Storm (April 15, 2011) Many parts of India experienced strong winds associated with lightning and thunder- storms before the onset of summer. The sudden Figure 2.7:Uprooting of trees due to storm in Uttar Pradesh, India downpour and the lashing rains disrupted life (Source: www. ibnlive.in.com) and in some cases, claimed some lives. In such incidents, 17 people lost their lives in different Storm (November 24-27, 2011) parts of Karnataka, out of which 14 lost their lives Heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds in lightning and other three died due to houses lashed the southern coastal areas of Sri Lanka collapse. House collapses killed two persons in in November killing 22 people and rendered Ramanagara and one in Udupi. In Yembhatahalli many fishermen homeless. The southern district in Bijapur district, about 35 houses were dam- of Matara was very badly hit where 8980 peo- aged in the heavy rains, but no casualties were ple were affected, 282 houses were fully dam- reported4. aged while another 1783 houses were partially damaged. Other affected districts were Badulla, Monaragala, Anuradhapura and Batticaloa. The af-

| 11 | IntroductionCyclone

fected areas witnessed widespread uprooting of to consolidate over a weak low level circulation trees and electricity transmission towers; damages centre, which was being fed by enhanced west- to houses, roads, and bridges and disrupted the erly flow associated with the precursor system to common life for a prolonged period. Fallen trees another Tropical Cyclone Benilde. Under the influ- disrupted communication and due to damages ence of this, the disturbance developed further to the electricity transmission lines vast areas of while moving towards northwest. The Joint Ty- the districts experienced outage. The heavy rains phoon Warning Centre (JTWC) then issued a tropi- that accompanied the gale winds added further cal cyclone formation alert on the system during misery to the affected (Fig. 2.8. 2.9). Rivers and December 25 before designating as Tropical Cy- streams swelled and the major reservoirs in many clone. Based on one minute wind speed near the cases overflowed, as a result two people lost their centre of the disturbance, that had reached 65 lives while crossing overflowing streams6,7,8,9. km/h (40 mph), 3TWC upgraded the status of the alert to Tropical Storm. On the same day Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) also reported that the disturbance had organised sufficiently to be termed a Depression located nearly 1,000 km (620 mi) to the southeast of Chennai. On Decem- ber 26, IMD had reported that the depression had intensified into a Deep Depression and later in the day, on the basis of advanced stage of intensifica- tion of the system upgraded its status to Cyclonic Storm and termed it "Thane". Subsequent to that, Figure 2.8:Emergency rescue team carrying an affected woman to safety during the Sri Lanka storm (Source: http://thewatchers.adorraeli.com) "Thane" got oriented towards west under the influ- ence of a subtropical ridge of high pressure. The cyclonic storm further intensified on December 28 and developed 1-minute wind speed of 120 km/h (75m/h) and later in the day it was termed Very Se- vere Cyclonic Storm (Fig. 2.10). On the same day, upon further intensification, Thane developed a small pinhole eye of nearly 20 km (10 mi) radius and the wind speed increased considerably (150 km/h or 90 m/h) (Fig. 2.11, 2.12). The VSCS Thane

Figure 2.9:Lives of common people affected in the storm in Sri Lanka. continued moving further westwards and on De- (Source: http://indiatvnews.com). cember 30 made landfall between Cuddalore Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, Thane and Puducherry in the north Tamilnadu coast. Af- (December 30, 2011) ter interacting with the land the frictional forces It developed initially as a tropical disturbance weakened it into a Depression. IMD continued to within a monsoon trough in the east of Indonesia. monitor Thane till it turned into a well marked low Convection surrounding the system had started pressure area on December 3110, 11, 12, 13.

| 12 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Figure 2.10. Track of Thane (Source: http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/THANE.pdf). Table 2.2: Chronology of development of VSCS Thane (Source: http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/THANE.pdf). Date Time Centre lat./ C.I. Estimated central Estimated maximum sus- Estimated pressure Grade (UTC) long. No. pressure (hPa) tained surface wind (Kt) drop at centre (hPa) 1200 8.5/88.5 1.5 1000 25 3 D 25.12.2011 1800 9.0/88.0 1.5 1000 25 3 D 0000 9.5/87.5 2.0 998 30 4 DD 0600 10.0/87.5 2.0 998 30 4 DD 26.12.2011 1200 10.5/87.5 2.0 998 30 5 DD 1800 11.0/87.5 2.5 996 35 7 CS 0000 11.5/87.5 2.5 994 40 8 CS 0600 12.0/87.0 2.5 994 40 8 CS 27.12.2011 1200 12.5/86.5 2.5 992 40 10 CS 1800 12.5/86.0 3.0 990 45 12 CS 0000 12.5/85.5 3.0 990 45 12 CS 0600 12.5/85.0 3.0 988 45 14 CS 0900 12.5/58.0 3.5 986 55 16 SCS 28.12.2011 1200 12.5/84.5 4.0 982 65 20 VSCS 1500 12.5/84.0 4.0 980 65 22 VSCS 1800 12.5/84.0 4.0 978 65 24 VSCS 2100 12.5/83.5 4.0 976 65 26 VSCS 0000 12.3/83.0 4.0 974 70 28 VSCS 0600 12.0/82.0 4.5 972 75 30 VSCS 29.12.2011 0900 12.0/81.7 4.5 972 75 30 VSCS 1200 12.0/81.3 4.5 972 75 30 VSCS 1800 12.0/80.6 4.5 972 75 30 VSCS 0000 11.8/79.9 4.5 972 75 30 VSCS 0300 11.8/79.5 - 986 55 16 SCS 30.12.2011 0600 11.8/79.0 - 998 30 5 DD 1200 11.8/78.2 - 1000 25 3 D 31.12.2011 0000 The system weakened into a well marked low pressure area over north Kerala and neighbourhood.

| 13 | IntroductionCyclone

Figure 2.11. Satellite image of Thane cyclone with a well developed eye (Source: http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/THANE.pdf).

Figure 2.12: Enlarged view of the eye of VSCS Thane (Source: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/archives/2011/h2011_Thane.html )

| 14 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Figure 2.13:3-D images of VSCS Thane (Source: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/archives/2011/h2011_Thane.html)

Figure 2.14: Three days of rainfall rates for VSCS Thane (Source: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/archives/2011/h2011_Thane.html

| 15 | IntroductionCyclone

The 3-D time series image of the Thane cy- into VSCS the height of the thunderstorm tow- clone shows the heights of associated thunder- ers deceased13 (Fig. 2.13). Conversely, the rainfall storms and rates of rainfall. On December 27, on 27th was 0.78 to 1.57 inches (20-40 mm) which when it was at the stage of Cyclonic Storm, the peaked to 2 inches (50 mm) before Thane made system developed convective thunderstorm landfall (Fig. 2.14). The intensification of rainfall towers of nearly 16 km height while on Decem- subsided once Thane made landfall and moved ber 29, before making landfall and developing inland in a weakened state13.

Figure 2.15 :Cyclone-affected areas of Tamil Nadu (Source: Punithavati et al, 2012).

The build up and ultimate landfall of the dian Ocean. The following table 2.3 lists the VSCS Thane induced widespread and intense amount of rainfall received in the affected areas rainfall in the coastal parts of India in North In- by December 31 during the cyclone14.

| 16 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Table 2.3:Amont of rainfall received in the affected parts of India due to VSCS Thane (Source Punithavati et al. 2012).

STATE: KERALA Sathanur Dam (all Tiruvannama- 11 NAME OF PLACE RAINFALL (mm) lai dt) Haripad (Alapuzha dt) 22 Kanchipuram 10 Thiruvananthapuram 18 Maduranthagam (Kanchipuram 10 dt) Nedumangad (Tiruvana- 16 thapuram dt) Arani (Tiruvannamalai dt) 10 Kayamkulam (Alapuzha dt) 15 Chengalpattu (Kanchipuram dt) 9 Thiruvalla (Pattanamthitta dt) 14 Chembarambakkam (Tiruvallur 9 dt) Chengannur (Alapuzha dt) 12 Ulundurpet (Villupuram dt) 9 Neyyatinkara (Tiruvanan- 11 thapuram dt) Tiruvannamalai 9 Mavelikara (Alapuzha dt) 10 Punalur 8 Konni (Pattanamthitta dt) 9 Tiruvallur 8 Kanjirapally (Kottayam dt) 9 Boothapandy (Kanyakumari dt) 8 Kottayam, Alapuzha 9 Kanyakumari 8 Varkala (Thiruvananthapuram dt) 7 Chengam (Tiruvannamalai dt) 8 Kozha (Kottayam dt) 7 Sholingur (Vellore dt) 8 STATE: TAMIL NADU Chennai airport 7 NAME OF PLACE RAINFALL (mm) Cheyyur, Kelambakkam 7 Kallakurichi (Villupuram dt) 18 Sriperumpudhur 7 Gingee (Villupuram dt) 16 Poonamalli 7 Sankarapuram (Villupuram dt) 14 Ramakrishnarajupet 7 Mylaudy and Nagerkoil (both 14 Tiruvalangadu 7 Kanyakumari dt) Tiruttani 7 Uthiramerur (Kanchipuram dt) 13 Sethiyathope (Cuddalore dt) 7 Kuzhithurai (Kanyakumari dt) 13 Tindivanam (Villupuram dt) 7 Virudhachalam (Cuddalore dt) 12 Kumbakonam (Thanjavur dt) 7 Cheyyar (Tiruvannamalai dt) 12 Arakonamand Kaveripakkam 7 Mancompu (Alapuzha dt) 11 Vellore 7 Tozhudur (Cuddalore dt) 11 Attur (Salem dt) 7 Tirukoilur (Villupuram dt) 11 Coonoor 7 Polur 11 Jayamkondam (Ariyalur dt) 7 Vanthavasi 11 Padallur (Perambalur dt) 7

Tamil Nadu experienced maximum damage state. The entire eastern coastal belt of Tamil Nadu due to VSCS Thane. It affected the districts of Cud- was hit, the accentuation being more in the north- dalore, Villipuram, Kanjipuram, Thiruvallur, Chen- ern half. Huts, houses with tiled and asbestos roofs nai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur and the Puducherry and concrete houses, were damaged either fully or

| 17 | IntroductionCyclone

partially15. In Puducherry and Cuddalore the most Nearly 1, 00,000 acres of cultivated crop, mainly damaged structures were the huts with thatched standing paddy crops were damaged in the foul roofs and wooden frames. Large scale uprooting weather and associated torrential rain. Though of trees and inundated roads caused hindrance to the early warnings and alerts issued by the au- relief and rescue operations. The cyclone affected thorities were helpful in helping some fishermen the power production by Neyvelli Lignite Corpo- shifting their boats to safer locations, many other ration as the mines were submerged. However, in fishermen suffered huge losses. Due to the foul view of advance warnings, the state and district weather and poor visibility conditions in the cy- authorities especially in the coastal parts were in a clone, 40 Indian fishermen had drifted away and state of preparedness. Nearly 6000 people living in were later rescued by Sri Lankan authorities17. low lying areas of Kanchipuram, Cuddalore, Thiru- The fury of the cyclone left behind a trail of vallur, Nagapattinam, Villupuram and Chennai destruction (Fig. 2.16- 2.19). Trees were uprooted, were evacuated to safer places. The details of dam- traffic signals were ripped off their bases and ages in Tamil Nadu are in the following table 2.4. advertisement boards mounted on frames were torn apart and tossed about in the cyclone rav- S. Types of damages Units No. aged areas. Broken glass from street lights, shards Agriculture damages 80,609 hec from window panes and other debris remained 1. i) Horticulture crops 28,090 hec suspended on inundated roads. Mobile servic- Settlement damages es experienced outage and could be restored 2. i) Thatched houses damages 2,67,925 ii) Tiled house damages 81,292 3. Roadways damages 1458 kms Biological damages i) Human being 46 persons ii) Goat, Cow, Ox & Buffalo 519 Nos 4. iii) Chickens 52,938 Nos iv) Duck 285 Nos v) Dove and Kadai variety 6200 Nos Boat damages 4600 Nos 5. i) Fisher net damages 1,94,949 Nos Figure 2.16:Damage caused to property in Cuddalorects. Electrical goods damages (Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com) i) Electrical post 45,460 Nos 6. ii) Transforms 4500 Nos iii) High level towers 27 Nos iv) Electric line or wires 12,100 kms

Table 2.4:Damages in Affected parts of India due to VSCS Thane (Source: Punithavati et al, 2012).

The cyclone caused extensive devastation in the affected parts of the southern coast of India. The gale pushed a cargo ship aground off Chen- 16 Figure 2.17:Damages due to gusty winds in the wake of Thane in nai and also damaged 70 fishing boats . Crops Puducherry 2011. (Source: http://www.spxdaily.com/images-lg/ in the affected areas also suffered heavy damage. cyclone-thane-india-jan-2012-afp-lg.jpg)

| 18 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

the coastal district of Cuddalore, most devastat- ed by the cyclone, which claimed 47 lives in the state and neighboring Puducherry. Authorities stepped up relief work and efforts to restore nor- malcy5.

References: 1. South Asia Disaster report 2010. SAARC Disaster Management Centre. 2. http://www.thebangladeshtoday.com/archive/ Figure 2.18: Mangled electricity transmission towers in Puducherry (www. archivenews.blogspot.com) April%2011/5-4-2011.htm. 3. http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_ news.php?nid=29210. 4. http://news.oneindia.in. 5. www.ibnlive.in.com. 6. http://www.asiantribune.com/news. 7. http://www.sott.net. 8. http://reliefweb.int. 9. http://thewatchers.adorraeli.com. 10. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclone_Thane. 11. http://www.webcitation.org/64KoCl7UT. 12. http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/ Figure 2.19:Thane cyclone disrupting electricity services in Puduchhery (www. archivenews.blogspot.com) THANE.pdf. 13. http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/ later5. The national and state authorities came archives/2011/h2011_Thane.html. forward to the relief and rehabilitation of the af- 14. Punithavati J, Tamilenthi S and Baskaran R (2012) fected people. Tamil Nadu announced a recov- A study of Thane cyclone and its impacts in Tamil ery package of Rs 700 crore to provide immedi- Nadu, India using Geographic Information System: ate succour to Cyclone Thane ravaged areas. The archives of Applies Scientific Research 4(1): 685-695. amount was in addition to Rs 150 crore released 15. http://bedroc.in/sites/default/files/IAG_TN_meet- earlier for immediate relief work, including resto- ing_minutes_5_Jan12-Cyclone_Thane.pdf. ration work of badly damaged infrastructure in 16. www.ptinews.com. 17. http://www.indianexpress.com.

| 19 | Introduction Chapter 3 Flood

The South Asia region is one of the most flood demics and waterborne diseases in these coun- prone regions in the world. SAARC member tries. The frequency of major and catastrophic countries like Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and floods in most parts of the South Asia region is Pakistan face floods on an annul basis. In these more than once in five years. In the SAARC re- countries, floods are a recurrent phenomenon, gion, floods have also occurred in areas, which and cause huge loss of lives and damage to liveli- were earlier not considered to be flood prone. hood systems, property, infrastructure and public This phenomena can be attributed to many rea- utilities, thereby adversely affecting the econo- sons including global warming, rapid increase in mies of these countries. Floods in the SAARC population and urbanisation coupled with grow- region claim thousands of lives in addition to ing developmental and economic activities in leaving millions homeless. It is a cause for con- the flood plains of the region. cern that the flood related damages are show- The Figure below shows the number of people ing an increasing trend in the region. Floods also affected and killed due to floods in the SAARC cause severe damages to bridges, buildings, road member countries during the year 2011(Fig:3.1). network, distributory canals etc., in addition to The details of important flood events occurred disrupting transportation and communication during the year 2011 in the SAARC member systems and causing damages to crops and veg- countries are given below and the details of indi- etation. Floods also cause the outbreak of epi- vidual events are tabulated in Appendix-III

Figure 3.1:Total number of people affected & killed due to Floods in SAARC Member Countries

| 20 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Afghanistan Tens of residential houses were destroyed During the year 2011, floodwaves started in rains and heavy floods in Ashmakash and much earlier in Afghanistan. Most parts of the Chal districts of on 12 April, country witnessed heavy rains during February, 2011. Hundreds of acres of agricultural lands 2011, which have led to much devastation, some- were destroyed and many cattle also perished thing which is unusual during this time of the in the event. These flash floods claimed doz- year. During the first half of February, 2011, flash ens of lives and washed many houses in the floods and heavy snowfall killed 25 people and southern also. Floods in damaged up to 3,000 houses in different parts eastern destroyed a bridge of Afghanistan. district in the western and blocked the Kabul-Kandahar highway province of was among the worst affected apart from washing away around 3,000 houses. areas where, in addition to four deaths over a On 5 May, 2011, five members of a family were dozen people were injured and almost 2,600 fam- among 7 people killed and 27 others injured as ilies were affected. On 5th February, 2011, heavy a result of rain-induced floods, which washed rains and flash floods in Parwan, Herat, Wardak away huge tracts of arable land in western Af- and Daykundi provinces in Afghanistan killed 25 ghanistan. In central Parwan and Panjsher prov- people and caused damage to more than 3000 inces, floods closed roads and washed away houses. Flash floods in Ghoryan and Injil districts hundreds of acres of land. of western killed 3 people and destroyed more than 360 houses. As many as 262 houses were devastated in alone. Afghanistan National Disaster Management Au- thority (ANDMA) provided each affected family with 50 Kg of wheat, 25 kg of rice, 10 kg of ghee and beans, one tent, a plastic rug and two blan- kets. The flood also completely damaged the Herat- road. On 6th February, 2011, flash floods demolished 160 houses (95 houses in Khah-i-Sufaid district and 65 in Pusht-i-Koh dis- Fig.3.2 : A helicopter with security personnel assisting rescue operations trict ) in the of Afghanistan. These during Flash floods that killed 12 people on 9May,2011 in northern flash floods also demolished several other build- Afghanistan (Source: Press TV) ings and structures of the Farah province alone Many houses were damaged in the Fan- and also killed several animals, besides causing duqsan valley of Siah Gird district of Parwan damage to large circle of agricultural land. On 8 due to these floods. On 9 May, 2011, at least February, 2011, floods in western Herat province 12 people were killed due to flash floods un- killed 6 people and caused huge damages to leashed by heavy rains in northern Afghani- hundreds of houses and thousands of hectares stan. Helicopters were pressed into service of agricultural lands besides causing damage to for undertaking relief and rescue operations roads buildings and other infrastructure. (Fig 3.2)

| 21 | IntroductionFlood

Flash floods caused by torrential rains killed province of Nangarhar also killed three people 4 people and caused huge damage and losses and damaged eighty acres of agricultural land5. of property in different areas of eastern Kunar The rainwater destroyed several bridges and province on 05 August, 2011. The floodwaters roads in the high way. Due to these floods Tork- also destroyed a bridge connecting the provin- ham- highway was also damaged, seri- cial capital to several districts. The bridge con- ously disrupting the road transportation (Fig: 3.3). necting to Kunar was also de- stroyed by the flood. Again on 29th August, 2011, floods occurred again due to heavy rainfall in Na- zyan district of eastern Nagarhar Province. All the flood-affected families were provided with food and other relief items. In addition to food items, kitchenware, water pots, blankets and tarpaulins were also distributed to the victims. The Rural Rehabilitation & Development Department was involved in supplying these relief items to the af- fected families. The Afghan Red Crescent Society Fig: 3.3 :A photo showing road transportation on Torkham-Jalalabad and the World Food Program also provided the highway affected by Floods Source: PAN (GHAZNI CITY) affected families with relief supply assistance. Reconstruction of all the buildings, retraining The heavy rains during 28-30 August, walls and water channels that were destroyed 2011 had also damaged many acres of by these flash floods were taken up by the Gov- grape farms in southern Ghazni province ernment of Afghanistan in the areas hit by these capital,Ghazni city6.The area has hundreds of flood disasters. grape farms and local residents are depen- On 28 August, 2011, a minor was killed and dent upon grape farming. Rains and floods dozens of houses were flattened and large areas destroyed all these grape farms last year also. of cultivable land was washed away and dozens During these floods also, all farms of grapes in of cattle were killed when flash floods caused by the were completely damaged by heavy downpour hit several districts of Nangar- the heavy downpour. 10 houses and 90 acres of har province4. The flash floods triggered by heavy land were also destroyed in Haiderkhel, Alikhel rains killed 3 people and swept away thousands and Qarakhel villages, where several domestic of acres of agricultural land in central Logar prov- animals were also killed. On 14 September, 2011, ince also. Districts including Mohammad Agha, heavy rains and floods caused severe losses Baraki Barak and Charkh were the most affected to residents of Paktika and Khost provinces. 4 areas, where more than 10,000 acres of agricul- houses were completely destroyed and 175 tural land was destroyed. Most of the flood af- acres of cropped land was washed away in the fected land was cultivated with bean, potato, on- Guli Qala village, while tens of houses and 90 ion and maize crops. acres of land were also destroyed in Haiderkhel, On 30 August 2011, floods in the eastern Alikhel and Qarakhel villages. Elsewhere in Khost

| 22 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

province, 36 people were killed, 53 others seri- number of people whose houses were damaged ously injured, 781 houses and 2,750 acres of land due to these floods were forced to shift to the were destroyed by these floods in different areas safer areas. of the province. In the eastern province of Nan- garhar itself, nearly 641 houses were destroyed Bangladesh and more than 900 acres of cropped land was On 20 February, 2011, the dyke of Kachu- washed away by these floods. The floods also patra Canal on the border of Kalapara killed many livestock besides damaging dozens of Patuakhali district and Amtali upazila of Bar- of reconstruction projects in Hesarak, Khogyani guna district collapsed due to a high tide. Saline & Chaparhar districts. More than 435 houses, 750 water flooded at least 30 villages of these two acres of land, 35 kilometres of water channels , causing severe damage to property and and 20 water heads were also destroyed and 200 crops. The affected villages include Karaibaria, animals killed in Sarando, Nawar and Lagigar vil- Kachupatra, Badurgachha, Sarik khali, Balaibunia, lages of Hesarak. These floods caused closure of Chaulapara, Hetalbaria, Angaria, North Jharakhali, Kabul-Sorbe highway to the passengers. The pas- South Jharakhali, Behala and Alir Bandar. Water sengers who were stranded in the highway faced Development Board (WDB) of the Government severe inconvenience including lack of food and of Bangladesh took up a project with Tk 3.41 drinking water. crore to build dykes to save the agricultural lands of these two upazilas from saline water of the Bay. On March 20, 2011, a powerful tidal surge hit Sukhchar union embankment. The tidal waters marooned at least 300 families at three villages of Sukhchar union under Hati- ya upazila. The surge also damaged crops on about 700 acres of land at Nall Chira, Kela Danga and Sukhchar upazilas. These tidal wa- ters also flooded Galachipa, Baufal and Dash- mina upazilas, damaging crops on hundreds (Fig: 3.4 Floods kill two children, injured ten in Charikar Source: Bakhtar News Agency) of acres. The embankment collapsed giving way to tidal water which submerged all the Two children lost their lives and 10 others three villages. At least 300 landless people including 8 women were severely wounded in a were marooned while peanut, pulse, water heavy flood that occurred due to heavy rainfall in melon, cucumber, pumpkin and other crops the vicinities of Charikar city (Fig.3.4) on 5th Oc- and vegetables went under saline water. In tober7. In addition to human losses, hundreds of Patuakhali also low-lying areas of three upazi- residential houses and agricultural lands were las went under saline water due to tidal surge destroyed and a large number of cattle were also causing severe damage to agriculture prop- perished due to these floods in the province. A erty.

| 23 | IntroductionFlood

sures as water level of the river rised above the danger mark. Paikgachha bazaar was also in- undated completely. In , over 10,000 people were marooned as strong tidal surges hit four villages of . The riv- er embankment constructed last year collapsed due to pressure of water from the Ghengrial River.The tidal surges also washed away over 200 shrimp enclosures in four affected villages. The

(Fig: 3.5 A farmer gives a bleak look at his saline water affected marooned people have taken shelter at differ- watermelon field at Dakkhin Boalia village in Galachipa upazila of ent neighbouring safe villages and on highlands. Patuakhali district. Source: The Daily Star Shikaribari embankment under Koira upazila also Watermelon in about 500 acres of land was collapsed, inundating six villages of Maheshwari- damaged fully in Patuakhali district alone as tidal pur union and rendering over 400 landless fami- surges under the influence of new moon entered lies homeless. The surges washed away at least farmlands (Fig: 3.5). Even after receding of water 200 shrimp enclosures and damaged crops in from some areas, watermelon continued rotting about 500 acres of land. due to the effect of salinity. According to the De- partment of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Govern- ment of Bangladesh, the watermelon was culti- vated during this season on 2,800 acres of land in Patuakhali district alone i.e., 1,000 acres in Gala- chipa upazila, 450 acres in Kalapara, 550 acres in Baufal, 600 acres in Dashmina, 100 acres in Sadar upazila, 60 acres in Mirzaganj and 40 acres in Dumki. Tidal surges under the influence of full moon also hit Paikgacha, Dumuria, Koira upazilas of Fig:3.6: A main road in Mongla town goes under water as tidal surge and of Bagerhat on 20 from the Bay overflows the adjacent Passur River.( Photo: STAR) March, 2011, inundating main roads (Fig: 3.6). Tid- al water marooned over one lakh people while In Derai upazila, about 5000 acres of land in the surge damaged several embankments, dwell- Udgal haor went under water due to breaches ing houses, hundreds of shrimp enclosures and developed on the sluice gate at Ghilakutia. In the crops on vast lands. The embankment at Boalia neighbouring Dharmapasha upazila 2,000 acres under collapsed due to pres- of cropland went under water after breaches sure of tidal water from Kobadak River inundat- developed in Katakhali embankment on Chan- ing the entire fishermen's colonies at Hitampur drasonarthal haor. Locals joined work to repair village and rendering over 200 families homeless. the breaches of the embankment with bamboos The surges washed away over 300 shrimp enclo- and sand bags (Fig: 3.7). Most of the crop fields

| 24 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Fig: 3.7: Locals desperately try to repair the breached portion of the Fig 3.8:Tidal surge causing extensive damage to the embankment embankment at Katakhali on Thal haor (water body) in Chandrasona having a paved road at Kakpara in Pekua upazila under Cox's Bazar under Dharmapasha upazila in Sunamganj district to save from district. Photo: STAR flooding. Photo: STAR in the haors of Sunamganj district were under water-borne diseases broke out in water-logged water during the period from March 25 to April areas due to lack of pure drinking water and 20, causing damage to boro crops worth more sanitation facilities. Around 5000 people were than Tk 1127 crore on 193,000 hectares of land. affected with water-borne diseases. Temporary The Water Development Board (WDB) had given medical teams were sent to the affected areas Tk 20.1 crore for reconstruction and repair of and health officials of upazilas concerned formed the 221 km length of embankments in Sunam- medical teams. According to the district relief of- ganj district . The work to protect boro croplands fice sources, the extent of loss caused by the de- inside 37 haors in the district began through pression induced tidal surge was estimated at 258 Project Implementation Committees (PIC) Tk 50 crore in seven uapzilas of the district. Fifty formed with the locals. four kilometres of embankment of the Meghna Around 35,000 families, marooned in Bhola River was affected while 665 km kutcha road during tidal surge due to depression in the Bay, and 27 km pucca road was damaged. Around havd passed their days amid food and shelter 11,000 houses were damaged while 19,000 acres crisis. Tidal surges caused extensive damages to of cropland went under water. Besides, 250 edu- the embankment having a paved road at Kak- cational and religious institutions were affected para in Pekua upazila under Cox's Bazar district and fishes worth about 1 crore Tk washed away. (Fig 3.8). Several thousand houses in Tulatoli, On 02 July, 2011, several thousand people Majher Char of Bhola Sadar, Syedpur of Daulat- of the Netrakona district were marooned and khan upazila, Char Nasrin of Tojmuddin uapzila, 4000 dwelling houses were damaged due to Kolatolir Char, Char Nizam of Monpura upazila, flash floods triggered by incessant rains. Low- Char Kukri-Mukri, Dhalchar, Char Patila and Sik- lying areas of the district went under water and derer Char of Charfassion upazila went under 3 the flashflood washed away shrimp enclosures to 4 feet water. Many of the victims passed days and fish of various ponds. Standing Aush and under the open sky as their houses were totally Aman crops were completely damaged due to damaged or washed away. Diarrhea and other stagnant water on the cropland for a long time.

| 25 | IntroductionFlood

Fig: 3.9: Erosion by Someshwary River, which took a serious turn and Fig: 3.10: Swelling Jamuna River eroding homesteads and farmlands devours homesteads and croplands in Dakumara village of Netrakona at Dakkhin Gilabari in Belgachha union of Islampur upazila under district. (Photo: STAR) Jamalpur district.( Photo: STAR)

Erosion took a serious turn along the western On 21 July, 2011, erosion by Jamuna in Ja- bank of hill river Someshwary in Dakumara vil- malpur and Teesta in Rangpur rendered hun- lage of Durgapur upazila in Netrakona district dreds of families homeless. Several hundred (Fig:3.9). Sudden swelling of the river following families of Belgachha, Chinaduli and Noarpara heavy rains prompted the erosion. All the flood unions in Islampur upazila of Jamalpur have affected people were shifted to safer places. The shifted their houses due to severe erosion by Ja- badly affected areas were Dakumara, Khamarkh- muna. During the period, people of Dakkhin Gila- ali, Shibganj and Birishiri. Local people dumped bari of Belgachha union of Islampur upazila bore sand, bamboo and timber to protect their areas the brunt as erosion took a severe turn in the but the strong currents of the river foiled all their area (Fig:3.10). At least 5,000 families of Dakkhin bids. Khamarkhali bazaar was once a big village Gilabari, Shaha Para of Belgachha union, Kadam- market . But the river had devoured two-thirds of toli Bazar of Chinaduli union and Ulia Bazar of it. Over 500 families used to live at village Shib- Noarpara union became victims to the Jamuna ganj before the event. But the river engulfed erosion. Erosion by Padma and Dhaleswari rivers 800 acres of land leaving more than 350 families also took a serious turn along 25 villages of eight homeless during the period. Loading and un- unions in Harirampur, Daulatpur, Shivalaya and loading of goods at Mongla port was severely Ghior upazilas, rendering more than 700 families hampered. Low-lying areas of Sharankhola, Ram- homeless. Shelters built under the government pal, Mongla, Kachua, Morelganj upazilas and the Ashrayan Project in Ghior Sadar lost more than district town were flooded. Due to rise of water 40 of its 80 structures into the river Dhaleswari levels, erosion by Panguchi, Balleswar, Bhola and while the rest were endangered. Madhumati rivers took serious turns. Accord- ing to the Department of Agricultural Extension Erosion by Teesta River sources, standing crops on 1040 hectares, vege- Erosion by the river Teesta took a serious turn tables on 500 hectares and 5 hectares banana or- at Dhamur point, devouring around 300 feet of chards were damaged due to rain-induced flash Gangachhara embankment (Fig:3.11). Part of floods. the embankment went into the river during last

| 26 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Fig: 3.11: With rise in water level in the Teesta River, around 300 feet Fig: 3.12: A villager at Durgapur of Aditmari upazila in Lalmonirhat stretch of Gangachhara embankment at Dhamur point in Rangpur shifting domestic animals to a safer place during Floods ( Photo: STAR) was eroded. (Photo: STAR) year's flood also, but locals saved it from further Flash floods hit more than 50,000 people in collapse by putting sand bags in the breached five upazilas of the Lalmonirhat district follow- portion. According to the Water Development ing three consecutive days of heavy rain and Board (WDB), the sudden rise in water level in overflowing of two rivers, during 5 to 8 August, the Teesta river this year caused heavy damage 2011 (Fig:3.12). The low-lying areas by the Teesta to the embankment. Heavy flooding in south- and Dharla rivers bore the brunt. The most af- eastern Bangladesh forced more than 20,000 fected areas were Angorpota and Dahagram of people out from their homes in Cox’s Bazar and Patgram upazila, Saniyazan, Goddimari, Sindurna Teknaf districts as their homes were completely and Dawabari of Haitbandha upazila, Votmari destroyed by the floodwaters. Rice and shrimp and Kakina of Kaliganj upazila, Mohishkhocha farmers were badly affected by the flooding, with and Durgapur of Aditmari upazila and Kulaghat, damage to the latter sector alone estimated at Khuniyagachh, Rajpur, Mogholhat of Lalmonirhat over US$3 million. Sadar. Many roads went under water and a large On 30th July, 2011, heavy rains and on-rush number of families lost their homes after water of water from hills across the border triggered in the Matamuhuri and Sangu Rivers rose signifi- flash floods. Several thousand people at Teesta cantly above the danger level. and Dharla river basins and low- lying villages Parts of the capital city of Dhaka remained went under water. The flood affected areas were flooded as the city struggled to cope with the af- Dakkhin Goddimari, Char Dowani, Char Sindurna, termath.West Nandipara area in the city of Dhaka Char Dawabari, Paruliya under Hatibandha upazi- was worst affected(Fig:3.13). Due to the continu- la, Char Votmari, Char Kakina, Rudreshewar and ous rains, viral fevers were spread and influenza Jamirbari villages of Kaliganj upazila, Kadomtola, took a serious turn, affecting mostly the children. Balapara, Char Gobordhan villages of Aditmari At least 1.5 lakh people were affected due to flash upazila, Char Kurul, Mogholhat, Char Kulaghat, floods in Bandarban due to incessant rains and Char Bowalmari, Rajpur, Char Kalmati, Khuniya water rushing down from hills. A vast area of all Gachh, Char Gokunda, Char Milon Bazaar villages the six unions--Aziznagar, Lama, Gazalia, Rupship- of Sadar upazila. ara, Fasiakhali, Sarai--in Lama upazila submerged.

| 27 | IntroductionFlood

Fig: 3.13: A woman forced to cook on top of her bed at West Nandipara Fig: 3.14: Koira upazila parishad building and its surroundings in in the city of Dhaka as water from the incessant showers flooded her Khulna during floods on 11th August, 2011. Photo: STAR home. Photo: Palash Khan

These sudden floods affected at least 4,000 fami- completely damaged by floodwater in Suknakuri lies in the upazila, and many people were report- area in Durgapur upazila. A large number of edly injured in the rush of flood waters. A num- people took shelter in makeshift camps set up ber of government offices including Lama upazila at schools, madrasas and high lands and on the office, police station, agriculture office and food corridors of government offices. Apart from se- stores went under waist-deep water. vere crises of food, shelter and safe drinking wa- On 10 August 2011, heavy monsoon rains ter, waterborne diseases broke out in the wa- and water from rain-fed Kobadak and Betrabati terlogged areas of the affected areas. Over 253 rivers inundated around 350 villages under 22 patients were admitted in to the Satkhira Sadar unions of Tala, Koiroa and Satkhira Sadar upazi- hospital and upazila health complexes. At least las, marooning over three lakh people (Fig:3.14). 3.5 lakh people of 1.2 lakh families were ren- The worst-affected unions were Kumira, Dhandia, dered homeless as the floods destroyed their Sarulia, Jalalpur, Islamkati, Magura, Tentulia and thatched houses. Besides aman plants, flood also Khalishkhali in ; Deara, Jugikhali and damaged roads, bridges, culverts, embankments, Jalalabad unions in ; and Bali, Lab- and educational institutions. The affected people sa and Jhowdanga in Sadar upazila. faced acute scarcity of food, medicines and pure About 300 thatched houses were complete- drinking water. In hard-hit Satkhira in the south, ly damaged and newly transplanted aman and 800,000 people were affected. vegetables on several thousand acres of land On 20 September 2011, in Lalmonirhat, over went under water. Fish worth around Tk 5 crore 60 thousand people in five upazilas of the dis- were washed away as floodwaters overflowed at trict were marooned by flash floods caused by least 500 ponds in the affected areas. Durgapur heavy downpour and swelling of Teesta and town protection dam was damaged by the on- Dharla Rivers. Flood waters inundated the low- rush of waters from hills across the border. Road lying areas besides the two rivers. People had to communication between Netrakona and Dur- wade through knee deep water in many places gapur upazila headquarters were snapped as (Fig:3.15). The affected areas included Angorpo- about one kilometre stretch of the road was ta-Dahagram of Patgram upazila, Saniyazan, God-

| 28 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

washed away at least 200 thatched houses at dif- ferent villages of the Gangachara upazila of Rang- pur district. Floodwater also damaged vegetable crops on several hundred hectares and most aman seed-beds in the affected areas. At least 30 more dwelling houses and 200 hectares of culti- vable land at Keshobpur and Igrampur villages were devourd by the Ubdakhali River. 75% of Bangladesh is less than 10 metres above sea level and 80% is flood plain, which Fig: 3.15: Women wade through knee-deep water at Etapota village in Mogholhat union under Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila as overflowing Teesta makes Bangladesh a nation very much at flood and Dharla Rivers worsened flood situation in the district. Photo: STAR risk and experiencing wide spread flood damag- dimari, Sindurna and Dawabari of Hatibandha es. Every year, about 26,000 sq.km (around 18%) upazila, Votmari and Kakina of Kaliganj upazila, of the country is flooded, killing over 5,000 peo- Mohishkhocha and Durgapur of Aditmari upazila ple and destroying more than 7 million homes. and Kulaghat, Khuniyagachh, Rajpur, Mogholhat To date, the floods took a debilitating toll on mil- unions in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila. lions of people in Bangladesh. Agricultural fields On 21 September 2011, a Teesta river em- remained covered with standing water, which bankment in Gannarpar area under Gangachara has destroyed crops, seed stocks, livelihoods, upazila of Rangpur district collapsed, flooding and employment opportunities. Fish, the main several villages and aman paddy fields (Fig:3.16). source of protein, became scarce and expensive, The embankment collapsed due to heavy pres- and food prices in general have increased 10 to sure of water as the Teesta river swelled. Accord- 15 percent. Faced with food shortages, fami- ing to the sources in the Water Development lies have drastically reduced the number and Board (WDB), the water level in the Teesta marked quality of daily meals. Due to floods, countless a sudden rise on 21 September, 2011. Erosion by houses were damaged or destroyed, forcing the the river took a serious turn while floodwaters displaced persons into makeshift shelters (e.g., schools, colleges, government buildings etc.) or in impromptu camps along roadsides. Drinking water was contaminated by standing flood wa- ters, latrines were totally destroyed, sanitation was totally affected, resulting in the out break of waterborne diseases.

INDIA India is one of the most Flood affected countries in the world, after Bangladesh. In India, out of the Fig: 3.16: The embankment at Gannarpar in Gangachara upazila of total geographical area of 329 mha, more than 40 Rangpur collapsed due to heavy pressure of swelling Teesta river water on 21 September 2011, flooding several villages of the upazila. Photo: STAR mha is flood prone. Floods are a recurrent phe-

| 29 | IntroductionFlood

nomenon in most parts of India, which cause huge down from the upper catchment areas following loss of lives and damage to economy, livelihood heavy rainfall, leads to flooding. The tendency to system, property, infrastructure and public utilities occupy the flood plains has been a serious con- in the Country. On an average every year, around cern over the years. Because of the varying rain- 75 lakh hectares of land is affected, 1600 lives fall distribution, many a time, areas which are not are lost and the damage caused to crops, houses traditionally prone to floods are also experienc- and public utilities is around INR1805 crores due ing severe inundations. Areas with poor drainage to floods. Over a period of time, the flood related facilities get flooded by accumulation of water damages are showing an increasing trend in India. from heavy rainfall. Excess irrigation water ap- The annual precipitation over India (includ- plied to command areas and increase in ground ing snowfall) is estimated at 4,00,000 crore cubic water levels due to seepage from canals and ir- meters (4,000 Billion Cubic Meters [BCM]) with rigated fields also are factors that accentuate the seasonal rainfall in the monsoons being of the problem of water-logging and Flooding. The the order of 3,00,000 crore cubic meters (3,000 problem is exacerbated by factors such as silting BCM). The country receives maximum rainfall of the riverbeds, reduction in the carrying capac- during the south-west (SW) monsoon for a pe- ity of river channels, erosion of beds and banks riod of about 80 to 100 days, starting from the leading to changes in river courses, obstructions first week of June to the end of September. Nor- to flow due to landslides, synchronisation of mal area-weighed rainfall over the Indian land floods in the main and tributary rivers and retar- mass is 89 cms during this period. Around 80 per dation due to tidal effects etc. cent of the annual total rainfall over India occurs The year 2011 experienced severe Floods in in the SW monsoon season. The balance (20 per the states of Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Karna- cent) rainfall is mainly due to convective activi- taka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. ties in the pre-monsoon period (March-June) in the form of local storms/thunderstorms, cyclones Assam and post-monsoon cyclones (October-mid De- In Assam, floods affected around 30 thousand cember).Winter rains/snowfall over the northern people and submerged vast tracts of agricultural part of India caused by western disturbances and land in Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Jorhat and Morigaon the northeast (NE) monsoon in the state of Tamil districts. Incessant rains in Assam and neighbour- Nadu and adjoining region also contribute to the ing Arunachal Pradesh resulted in flooding of remaining total rainfall. The normal annual rain- the dozens of villages in Assam. The overall flood fall varies from less than 600 mms in the north- situation in Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts in western part to over 2,500 mms in the north- Assam, became grim following the rains during eastern part. It varies from about 1,200 mms in July, 2011 . A few areas of Sonitpur district were the north to 2,900 mms in the south. also badly affected. Incessant rains in the affected districts and the catchments of the neighbour- Causes of Floods in India ing areas flooded new areas and disrupted roads. Inadequate capacity of the rivers to contain Brahmaputra and its tributaries, Jia Bharali and within their banks and the high flows brought Suwansiri flowed above the Danger level at vari-

| 30 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

ous places. The surface communicatios at a num- neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh. Assam govern- ber of places in Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts ment alerted all its departments and agencies were also disrupted. The breaches of embank- in time. Relief materials, medical and NDRF teams ment at Na-river in Dhemaji resulted in flooding rushed to all the affected districts. Over 1.5 lakh of new areas. The Baaghinijaan river washed away people took shelter in various relief camps organ- a part of National Highway at Padumani in Lakh- ised by the government. The Chief Minister of As- impur district. Low lying areas of the Kaziranga sam, Mr. Tarun Gogoi made an aerial inspection National Park and Pobitara Park in Morigaon dis- of the flood-hit areas of Lakhimpur, Dhemaji and trict reeled under the impact of floods. A total of Jorhat districts and the Kaziranga National Park 2,11,410 people in 197 villages were severely af- (Fig:3.17). The state Health department took spe- fected by floods in the Subansiri, Drupang, Ranga- cial care to prevent the spread water borne and nadi rivers and other tributaries of the Brahmapu- water related diseases and Japanese Encephali- tra river following heavy downpour in the hills of ties in all the affected areas .

Fig: 3.17: Flood Havoc in Assam: Chief Minister Shree Tarun Gogoi making an aerial survey of flood-hit Lakhimpur district.(Source: The Hindu)

West Bengal Kerala Incessant rains during the 3rd week of June, 2011 Heavy rains lashed many parts of Kerala and led to a flood-like situation in many parts of West claimed 23 lives during the onset of south-west Bengal. Parts of Bankura, Paschim Medinipur and monsoon on 27th May, 2011, besides causing Hooghly districts and the Sunderbans were affect- large-scale loss to agriculture crops and prop- ed as they experienced heavy rainfall. More than erty. Most casualties, which were mainly due 500 villages in North and South 24 Parganas dis- to drowning in swelling rivers and flash floods, tricts were affected with breaches occurring in the were reported from Alappuzha and Kottayam embankments of several rivers. Seventeen persons districts of the state. Due to the heavy rain fall lost their lives and around nine lakh people were in Kuttanad, the state's rice bowl in Alappuzha affected due to these floods . However, the situa- district in central Kerala, many low laying plac- tion was monitored effectively by the government es were inundated and water has entered in to of West Bengal and the concerned district admin- the houses in low lying areas. Vehicular traffic istrations took timely and appropriate measures. in Alappuzha and Changanassery road was dis-

| 31 | IntroductionFlood

rupted as water blocked and stagnated in many and Singhwara of Darbhanga district. The Bihar places. 155 houses were damaged in rain relat- State Disaster Management Department has ed incidents in Kottayam district . In Alappuzha made elaborate arrangements for rescue and re- district, about 450 houses were submerged in lief operations. a bund breach in the Kombankuzhi paddy pol- der near the Tirumala ward. Crop loss was esti- Odisha mated to be INR.5.53 crore. To help the affected Nearly 30 lakh people in 19 of Odisha's 30 people, district authorities opened 13 and 16 districts were badly affected during the 2011 relief camps in Alappuzha and Kottayam dis- floods. The coastal districts of Cuttack, Ken- tricts respectively. More than 4600 people from drapara and Jagatsinghpur were inundated 434 families were accommodated in these relief by floods on 11th September, 2011, because camps. a huge volume with 14.05 lakh cusecs of floodwater flowed through the Mahanadi at Karnataka Baramul, less than 100 km from Cuttack (Fig: In Karnataka, rain fury in the State on 12th May, 3.18). Many low lying areas in northern parts 2011claimed 54 lives besides leaving a trail of of the state were also marooned due to flood destruction on standing crops on 4,594 hectares waters. Moreover a low pressure area was of land and damaging 1,192 houses. As many as formed over North West Bay of Bengal and ad- 332 cattle had also died. The crop losses included joining coastal areas of West Bengal and north agricultural crops on 4,331 hectares and horticul- Odisha. More than 50,000 people in 25 villages tural crops on 263 hectares. in Remuna and sadar blocks of Balasore dis- trict were surrounded by floodwaters of Bud- Bihar habalanga and its tributary Sono. According to The flood situation on 1st October, 2011 cre- the State government sources, 2,550 villages ated havoc in Bihar , with the death toll rising and 13 towns were affected by the floods. At to 98. Of the 98 deaths, 14 were from Bhagalpur, least 8 persons have lost their lives. Besides, 12 from Bhojpur, 10 from Samastipur, nine from 3 persons were swept away in Nayagarh dis- Saharsa, 11 from Begusarai and eight each from trict. The floods damaged 10,565 houses in West Champaran and Lakhisarai districts. Six Bargarh, Boudh, Deogarh, Jajpur, Nuapada persons died each in Khagaria and Madhubani and Sambalpur districts. About 60,000 people districts, four in Vaishali, three in Madhepura, were evacuated from low-lying areas to safer two each in Darbhanga and dis- places and provided with food, shelter, medi- tricts, one each in Patna, Purnea and Supaul. The cines, water supply and sanitation. More than situation worsened in Madhubani, Sitamarhi one lakh people were evacuated from low ly- and Darbhanga districts following rains in the ing areas to safe places and given food as 186 catchment areas of the Adhwara group of rivers relief camps/free kitchens were opened in ma- in Bihar and Nepal. More than 150 villages were rooned villages. The State government took affected in Kamtaul, Gaurabauram, Jale, Baha- assistance from the Navy to carry out rescue durpur, Hanuman Nagar, Keoti, Darbhanga Sadar operations.

| 32 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

areas in view of the flood situation. About 500 weak points were identified on river banks and embankments which were prone to breaches. At least 16 persons, five from Jajpur district, three each from Kendrapara and Mayurbhanj districts, two each from Dhenkanal and Sambalpur district and one person in Bhadrak district, died in the floods. The flood affected districts are shown in the map (Fig:3.19):

Fig: 3.18: A photo depicting a man treading through the flood waters at Kendrapara during September, 2011 floods in Odisha Nepal (Source: The Hindu) During the year 2011, Nepal witnessed inces- Odisha government air-dropped food pack- sant rains, which caused floods and landslides. ets in the flood affected areas. The Odisha Chief The Government of Nepal, during the year estab- Minister Naveen Patnaik along with the state lished a National Emergency Operation Center Revenue and Disaster Management minister S N (NEOC) with financial assistance from the Austra- Patro made an aerial survey of flood hit areas and lian government and technical assistance from reviewed the relief arrangements made by the the UNDP. The NEOC collects, processes and dis- administration.The Chief Minister directed the seminates information related to all types of di- collectors of the flood-hit districts to start resto- sasters in the country. It was also entrusted with ration and reconstruction work immediately. He the responsibility to coordinate with national also asked the Collectors to start labour-intensive and international organizations to carry out works in the flood affected villages under the works related to disaster risk reduction and relief Centrally sponsored Mahatma Gandhi National operations in the event of natural calamities. Ac- Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme . The state cording to data compiled by NEOC, at least 56 government also issued directions to the dis- people were killed, 17 went missing and 80 oth- trict collectors to close schools in their respective ers injured and a total of 3700 households were affected following landslides, floods and thun- derbolts triggered by incessant rainfall in the month of June, 2011. 26 persons died after being struck by thunderbolts. 121 houses were com- pletely destroyed due to landslides and floods between June 1 and July 6. The NEOC, based on the reports from the concerned district adminis- tration offices across the country, has estimated loss of properties worth Rs 24.6 million. In another incident, at least 10 persons died

Fig: 3.19: A Map showing the districts which are affected by Flood of and one went missing in rain related incidents 2011.(Source: Govt. of Odisha) in various parts of the country on 20 July, 2011.

| 33 | IntroductionFlood

Four members of a family died when a landslide Pakistan triggered by incessant rain swept away a house Pakistan witnessed severe floods during this at Narjamandap VDC-5 in Nuwakot district on year also, leaving some 200,000 people homeless 20 July, 2011. A rescue team of the Nepal Army and triggering another international aid effort. extricated the victims’ bodies. The landslide had Though the scale of the disaster was less than left 24 houses in the settlement at high risk. Fol- that of the last year, the misery for those effected lowing continuous rainfall during August 12 to continued. Pakistan called on the world to speed 16, the swollen Mahakali river had swept away up relief efforts after torrential rains exacerbat- over a dozen houses and flooded various areas ed major floods, killing 270 people and making in VDCs in Kanchanpur and Dadeldhura districts another 200,000 homeless in the south of the (Fig:3.20). Many settlements in Bhimdatta mu- country. Three persons, including two women, were killed and dozens of others were injured in rain related incidents in different parts of Balochistan on 10 July, 2011. Rains disrupted the power sup- ply and communication links in several districts of the province. According to the government sources, several districts of Balochistan, includ- ing Zhob, Barkhan, Loralai, Musakhel and others received heavy monsoon showers. In Barkhan, streams swelled due to heavy rainfall, swept away a number of vehicles. Floodwaters also Fig: 3.20: Mahakali river flooded various areas in Kanchanpur and Dadeldhura districts in Nepal (Source: - Kantipur News, Kanchanpur) washed away a road connecting Zhob to Mu- sakhel, leaving hundreds of commuters strand- nicipalities in Kanchanpur district were evacu- ed. Heavy rains also adversely affected services ated to safer areas as the Mahakali river flooded provided by mobile companies while landline the areas. Several settlements in Kailali, Kan- phones were also rendered out of order, adding chanpur and Dadeldhura districts were inundat- to the miseries of people who were deprived of ed. Swollen rivers burst banks and entered the the facility to contact their friends and relations. settlements, displacing dozens of households. In Eight people, including a woman and four Kanchanpur, floods in the Mahakali, Doda and children, died in Rawalpindi and Islamabad af- Banhara rivers breached the embankments and ter heavy rains lashed the twin cities on 25 July, entered settlements near the banks. Dozens of 2011, as water rose to dangerous level in Leh Nul- families were displaced. Major highways in the lah inundating low-lying localities. In Rawalpindi, region were blocked by landslides in several three persons, including a policeman trying to places. The Bhimdutta highway, KI Singh highway, save a young man from drowning in Leh Nullah, Mahakali highway and Jayaprithvi highway were were swept away. In Islamabad’s suburb, roof of a also blocked, leaving hundreds of passengers mud house collapsed, killing five wedding guests, stranded. including four children. Many low-lying locali-

| 34 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

ties in the city were inundated, with the people who also distributed relief goods to the flood-af- struggling to save their valuables as flood waters fected people said the government ensured swift entered their homes. relief for all the flood victims. He also said that the flood-affected areas were declared disaster hit areas and the Zarai Taraqiati Bank was asked to provide loans to the farming community.The Prime Minister said the damage and needs as- sessment would be conducted in the affected ar- eas and the government would compensate the people on the damages to their property, live- stock and farms. The September monsoon rains in Sindh province killed 85 people24. Tharpakar, Badin and Wazirabad were among the worst-hit (Fig: 3.21: Pakistani flood affected villagers ride on a vehicle as they arrive at a safe place in flood-hit Badin district in Sindh province on areas. Thousands of domestic cattle were killed September 13, 2011 (Source: - Dawn News) in different districts of Sindh due to continuous Four people died and 21 suffered severe inju- heavy rainfall and floods in lower Sindh districts. ries as rains battered most parts of lower Sindh Many flood affected people were shifted to safer on 11 August, 2011. Although Tharparkar and places in flood-hit Badin district in the province adjoining areas had received the heaviest rain- (Fig:3.21). The provincial government also pro- fall, Badin district has suffered the most. A lage vided monetary compensation to the flood-hit number of villages were cut off from the out side people. In addition, the provincial government of world and hundreds of people were marooned. Sindh has earmarked Rs5 billion for rescue and The continuous heavy downpour adversely af- relief efforts in the flood affected areas. fected Kharif crops of cotton and paddy and washed away vegetables and fodder on thou- Sri Lanka sands of acres in lower regions of the province. In Sri Lanka, according to the Disaster Manage- According to the National Disaster Management ment Centre (DMC), 1437 houses were complete- Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan, over 200,000 ly destroyed while 3562 were partly damaged people were affected in flood-hit areas in inte- in the 2011 January floods. Batticaloa was the rior Sindh. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. worst affected district according to the data put Yousuf Raza Gilani made a visit to the flood af- out by the centre with 331,418 people belonging fected areas and reviewed the situation. During to 87,832 families affected while 3770 families his visit, Mr. Gilani directed the authorities of the were displaced. DMC statistics stated that while NDMA to provide tents, food, medicines and all 635 houses were destroyed, 2,498 houses were other facilities to the displaced victims at the re- partially damaged by floods in 14 Divisional Sec- lief camps set up at different locations. Mr. Gilani retary Divisions in the Batticaloa District alone. also directed the authorities to provide Watan Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa, Monera- cards for the displaced people so as to help them gala, Nuwara Eliya, Anuradhapura, Kegalle, Kandy, meet their financial needs. The Prime Minister Ampara, Matale and Ratnapura were the worst

| 35 | IntroductionFlood

affected. The number of people displaced owing 5. The Frontier Post, Jalalabad (AIP) to torrential rains and the attendant disasters in 6. PAN (GHAZNI CITY)) the Eastern and North Central Provinces and sev- 7. Bakhtar News Agency (Charikar) eral other districts has risen to 900,000 persons25. 8. The Independent. In all, 13 districts were affected by torrential rains. 9. Kuensel Newspaper. These rains claimed 13 lives and 44 received se- 10. http://www.nidm.gov.in/Chap6.htm. vere injuries. Kandy, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Badul- 11. Memorandum: Floods 2011 Relief Commissioner, la, Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee Districts Revenue and Disaster Management Department, were the most affected. All the displaced persons Govt. of Odisha, 2011 were accommodated at 350 government-run 12. Additional Memorandum: Floods 2011 Relief welfare centres. The government allocated Rs. 7.1 Commissioner, Revenue and Disaster Manage- million for the provision of relief to the affected ment Department, Govt. of Odisha, 2011. persons. The majority of the displaced families 13. Hydro geological Atlas of Orissa, Central Ground were residents of the Batticaloa District. All the Water Board, Ministry of Water Resources, South- major reservoirs were brimful and their sluice Eastern Region, Government of India, 1985 . gates were open.The Army was deployed to pre- 14. The Times of India. vent the breach of the tank bund of ‘Eruwewa’ 15. NDTV News. in the Anuradhapura District. Swift intervention 16. DD News. by the Army helped to prevent the breach and 17. The Tribune. averted a major disaster. 18. The Hindu. 19. The Hindustan Times. References: 20. www.myrepublica.com. 1. EMDAT www.emdat.be 21. The Himalayan Times. 2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood#Principal_ 22. Kantipur Times. types_and_causes. 23. The Frontier Post. 3. New Age. 24. Dawn News 4. The Daily Star. 25. Daily News.

| 36 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Chapter 4 Drought

An Overview disaster; Drought is a natural, recurring climatic feature • Duration may range from months to years and which stems from lack of rainfall over an extend- the core area or epicentre changes over time, ed period of time (i.e. a season or several years reinforcing the need for continuous monitor- resulting in severe shortage of water resources). It ing of climate and water supply indicators; occurs almost in all climatic regions of the world. • No single indicator or index can identify pre- Drought is a normal phenomenon in arid zone cisely the onset and severity of the event and areas, a common phenomenon in semi-arid zone its potential impacts; multiple indicators are areas and a rare to very rare phenomenon in dry more effective and humid and humid areas. It is a natural disaster, • Spatial extent is usually much greater than which can be anticipated and also expected on that for other natural hazards, making assess- the basis of rainfall patterns, temperature etc. ment and response actions difficult, since Drought connotes a situation of water short- impacts are spread over larger geographical age for human, cattle and agriculture consump- areas Unlike other natural disasters the onset tion resulting in economic losses, primarily in of drought is slow and many times is not vis- agriculture sector. Drought is classified as Meteo- ible but it has a very serious impact on the rological, Hydrological, Agricultural and Environ- economy due to its intensity and longer du- mental drought. Unlike the Hydrological and Ag- ration over a period of time. ricultural droughts, the Meteorological Drought, which connotes specific rainfall reduction below Drought in the South Asia Region 19% of normal rainfall, may not necessarily have Drought affects more people than any other any serious impact if the departure from nor- disaster in the South Asia region. South Asia mal is not significant and the rainfall is sufficient comprises some of the major drought affect- enough to sustain soil moisture. The mechanism ed regions of the world. Approximately 40% of for anticipating and managing droughts nec- the world’s poor live in the South Asia and the essarily differs from similar arrangements con- drought disasters are of recurring type in this re- cerning other natural disasters (like cyclones, gion. Approximately 23% of the world’s popula- earthquakes, floods, cloudbursts, tsunami etc) or tion live in the SAARC region, comprising of the man-made disasters, for the following reasons: countries i.e., Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, • Slow onset and prolonged course of India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka . droughts as against the other disasters, which SAARC region also sustains world’s poorest peo- have rapid onset, and a limited duration; ple since it contributes less than 1.5% of world’s • Early warning indicators in case of droughts GDP. Majority of the SAARC Region is prone to are necessarily ambiguous because they may periodical and continuous droughts. A severe or may not culminate in a full blown drought drought will exacerbate existing problems of

| 37 | IntroductionDrought

poverty, and have a devastating effect on the 2001 and 2004. Maldives also faced hydrological lives of the most vulnerable people in the re- droughts during dry seasons in recent times. Cli- gion. Hence, there is an acute need of long term mate projections indicate increased frequency of assessment of the drought prone areas in these severe droughts in the near future in the SAARC countries for formulation and implementation region. According to the IPCC, severe heat waves of drought mitigation programmes. One of the are expected to increase everywhere, as a result of most effective ways of tackling the problems which, South Asian countries, especially the coun- of drought in the SAARC region is to ensure ad- tries like Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka equate water for agriculture sector through vari- are going to be worst affected by drought, wheth- ous water harvesting and conservation meth- er due to natural climate variability or climate ods and techniques. The water resources of any change. The impact of drought on these countries country are fixed. The demands for fresh water is more than any other natural disasters both in resources in the region are increasing. Since we terms of area affected, number of people affected, cannot increase the availability of water resourc- development suffered and loss to the economy. es in any region, the only option is to conserve Recurrent droughts in the region are severely the available water and use it effectively and effi- affecting the economies of the SAARC member ciently through an efficient water supply, storage countries. Large parts of southern Afghanistan, and distribution mechanisms and reducing loss- the province of Baluchistan in the remote south- es by following various conservation techniques. western region of Pakistan and several states of Agriculture is the main source of livelihood India experienced drought, caused by poor rain- in the SAARC region and it sustains vast major- fall. The lack of sufficient rains means that local ity of population by providing direct and indirect water sources dry up and there is very little veg- employment. Majority of areas in the SAARC re- etation for grazing. This leads to substantial loss gion are under rain fed agriculture which contin- of livestock and distress selling of livestock by ues to face more challenges in terms of droughts. the poor farmers in these regions. This adds to Failed monsoon or deficient rain cycles often the existing problem of poverty in these areas lead to drought in the SAARC region, as a result and causes considerable strain on the natural of which, droughts are perennial and more fre- resources. Because of successive droughts, the quent in the SAARC region. In the recent years general health of the population in the affected Afghanistan faced continuous drought during areas has also declined, with rising levels of mal- 1997-2002 and 2007-08 which reduced agricul- nutrition due to the poor diet on which many tural production by about thirty percent in that people are subsisting. The scenario of drought country. India faced severe droughts in 2002 and during the year 2011 in each of the SAARC mem- 2009, during which the Agriculture sector in the ber countries is briefly described below: country was badly affected. Pakistan encountered severe droughts during 1998-2001 in the entire Afghanistan provinces of Sindh and Baluchistan. Similarly Ban- Afghanistan is a land locked and mountainous gladesh also faced drought during 1994-95 and country. The presence of mountains causes lot 2009, Nepal in 2006 and 2009 and Sri Lanka on of variations in terms of climate and rain fall and

| 38 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

snow fall in Afghanistan. Over 80% of the an- During the last decade, the country faced nual precipitation falls as snow in the mountain acute food shortages induced by drought in sev- ranges of central Afghanistan. The variation of eral parts of the country. Crop production was rainfall is both temporal and spatial. Afghanistan decimated and agricultural livelihoods came to a is not having good water storage, distribution standstill and these cascaded a chain of adverse mechanisms and lacking irrigation facilities. events like acute food grain supply, mass migra- In Afghanistan , out of 65 million ha. of area, tion, conflict among the people and draining total agricultural land is 40 million ha. Arable of the economy that was already crippled. The land is 7.9 million ha and the cultivation land is hardest drought hit provinces in Afghanistan estimated at 3.5 million ha only. Irrigated land were Nangarhar, Takhar and Laghman provinces. is 1.8 million ha, total arable land rain fed is 1.7 During the year 2011, though Afghanistan was million ha and the range lands is approximately not affected by severe drought, the food security 30 million ha. in the country became stressed1. Rainfed zones Water shortage and its after effects pose of central highlands (Day Kundi, Bamyan, and a threat of severe food crisis and migration in Ghor), northeast (Badakhshan), and western Af- Afghanistan. Afghanistan frequently experiences ghanistan (Hirat) were also affected by poor rain- moderate drought conditions. Though the im- fed wheat harvest during the year 2011. The food pact of drought felt in all sectors in natural, social, security conditions in Afghanistan are shown in economic and political components, the effect of the figure below, which indicates that the impact drought on agricultural production and food secu- of drought on household food security is limited rity in Afghanistan is very high. The extreme pov- as the primary source of food is from the market erty and underdevelopment in Afghanistan makes rather than food harvest from the drought affect- the population more susceptible during droughts. ed areas (Fig:4.1).

Fig 4.1: Afghanistan Food Security Map (Source: FEWS-Net)

| 39 | IntroductionDrought

The Government of Afghanistan has pre- Bangladesh pared a comprehensive strategy and policy to Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone face drought and desertification in the country. countries in the world. Every year, the country ex- The following are some of the short term and periences disasters of one kind or another, such long term initiatives taken by the Government of as tropical cyclones, storm surges, floods, torna- Afghanistan to mitigate drought in Afghanistan: does and droughts, causing heavy loss of lives Short Term Initiatives and properties. Though Bangladesh is a water • Technology to promote drip & sprinkler irri- rich country, drought also occurs in many parts gation systems. in the country. An estimated 2.7 million hect- • Implementation of reforestation program ares is severely drought prone in Bangladesh. across relevant areas. Normally, Bangladesh experiences a dry period • Multiplication of drought tolerant cereals va- for seven months in a year (i.e., from November rieties specially wheat & maize. to May), when rainfall is normally low. In Bangla- • Implementation of national grain reserve desh, westernmost and easternmost parts are strategies. prone to drought while the menace is less mani- • Improvement of watershed management fested in the central part of the country. Drought systems. affects 30% of the area and 10% of the national Long Term Initiatives: food production. Despite recurrent and devas- • Integration of macro & micro dam programs tating droughts in Bangladesh, it has attracted • Sustainable rangeland grazing / systems less attention than floods and cyclones, to which • Water management system to broad acreage Bangladesh is more prone. Nevertheless, drought • Cultivation of fodder and foliage crops is also a serious problem in Bangladesh and the Further, the following actions are also being Government and scientific community in Ban- implemented: gladesh are paying due attention to drought • Promotion of CBNRM for soil, vegetation & management. To combat the drought, it is essen- water management. tial for Bangladesh to utilize its water resources • Protection of water sources & strategic man- (both surface and ground water resources) ef- agement of water supply systems. fectively. However, Bangladesh has increasingly • Harvesting of rain & water formed from snow used her ground water resources to such an ex- melt to improve the situation. tent that the depletion of ground water resourc- • Promoting varieties of crops that are resis- es as well as arsenic contamination is occurring tant to water shortage. at an alarming rate. Under these circumstances, • Encourage double/triple cropping in irrigat- there is no alternate but to use surface water to ed areas, in particular. meet the water deficit created by drought. Dur- • Release of winter facultative wheat varieties. ing the year 2011, the water shortage led to • Establish and manage a strategic grain re- stream flow reduction and depletion of ground serve. water and evaporation exceeded normal levels • Ensure additional supplies of fodder and and these drought conditions resulted in crops feed. damage.

| 40 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Bhutan Because of over exploitation of ground water in Bhutan is a land locked country, located in the many parts of the country, the ground water ta- eastern Himalayas. It is a relatively small moun- ble is vastly depleting. Depletion of ground water tainous country with 38,394 sq.km in area. Alti- and limitation of surface water imply that not all tude ranges from 100 to 7500 metres above sea net sown area is amenable to irrigation. level, 170 Km north-south and 340 km east-west The total annual replenishable ground water distance. Climate in Bhutan is wet summer mon- resources of the country was estimated as 433 soon and cool dry winters. Bhutan climate is af- billion cubic meter (BCM). Keeping around 34 fected by latitude, altitude, prevailing wind direc- BCM for natural discharge, the net annual ground tion, orientation of mountain ranges, local winds water availability for the entire country is 399 and vegetation and is generally dominated by BCM. The Annual ground water draft is 231 BCM monsoon winds, dry winter and wet summer out of which 213 BCM is for irrigation use and 18 monsoon. In Bhutan, hydrological drought af- BCM is for domestic and industrial use. fects hydropower and glacier retreat due to Cli- mate Change is being observed. 2011 Drought in India Drought in India usually results in huge eco- India nomic losses to the country, particularly to the Among all the SAARC member countries, India is Agriculture sector. Agriculture is the back bone the most affected on account of drought disas- of Indian economy and Indian agriculture is ter in terms of total number of people and area heavily dependent on the climate of India. A fa- affected. Annually about 50 million people in vorable South West summer monsoon is critical the country are exposed to the drought disaster in securing water for irrigating crops in India. In in India. A total of 68% of sown area is subject many parts of India, the failure of the monsoon to drought in varying degrees. Drought occurs results in water shortages, there by resulting in in India mainly due to the failure of South-West below-average crop yields. This is predominant monsoon (from June to September). There is lot in major drought-prone regions such as southern of variation of precipitation (rainfall & snowfall), and eastern Maharashtra, northern Karnataka, both in terms of area, extent of occurrence, in- Telangana and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra tensity and time of occurrence. Rainfall is erratic Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. in India in every 4 out of 10 years. Annual Aver- In India, during the year 2011, setting in of age Rainfall is 1160 mm in India. However, 85% South West monsoon over Andaman Sea was of it is concentrated in 100-120 days during the delayed by about 10 days. However, it set over SW Monsoon period. Most of the drought prone Kerala 3 days before its normal date of 1 June. areas lie in the arid (19.6%), semi-arid (37%) and Monsoon set in over most parts of South Ara- humid (21%) areas of the country that occupy bian Sea, Kerala, some parts of Tamil Nadu, south 77.6% of its total land area of 329 Million Hect- Bay of Bengal and South Andaman Sea on 29th ares (MHa). Country’s Irrigation Potential is 140 May 2011. Due to strengthening of cross-equa- Million Hectares (76 MHa through surface water torial flow over Arabian Sea and the northward irrigation and 64 MHa through groundwater). movement of a vortex in the form of an upper

| 41 | IntroductionDrought

air cyclonic circulation along the trough off the formation of a Deep Depression (16 – 22 June) west coast, monsoon further advanced rapidly over the North West Bay of Bengal and its grad- and covered entire Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Goa, ual West-North Westward movement. This synop- most parts of Karnataka and some parts of south tic situation caused the monsoon to cover most Andhra Pradesh by 5th June, 2011. However, parts of the country outside western parts of Ra- during 6 to 10 June, there was a short hiatus in jasthan and north Gujarat state. With the forma- the further advance of monsoon along the west tion of a low pressure area over south Chhattis- coast. On the other hand, the eastern branch of garh and adjoining Telangana and the off shore monsoon advanced over some more parts of Bay trough extending from south Gujarat coast to of Bengal and north eastern states, with a delay Kerala coast during 4-8 July, 2011, the trough at of nearly 5 days. Associated with the formation mean sea level shifted southwards and became of a depression over north Bay of Bengal on 13 more pronounced and made favourable condi- June, 2011, the monsoon advanced into some tions for further advance of monsoon. Thus, the more parts of Arabian Sea, parts of Saurashtra southwest monsoon covered the entire country and most parts of the Bay of Bengal and parts on 9 July, 2011, 6 days earlier than its normal date of coastal Andhra Pradesh and coastal Odisha. of 15 July. The map below shows the periodicity Subsequently, there had been a rather steady ad- of occurrence of severe Drought in various parts vance during 15 – 26 June in association with the of India (Fig: 4.2)

Fig. 4.2 : A map showing the periodicity of occurrence of severe Drought in various parts of India. (Source: India Meteorological Department, Government of India)

| 42 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

2011 Rainfall Distribution in India country by 9 July, 6 days earlier than its normal For the country as a whole, the rainfall for date of 15th July. The withdrawal of monsoon the season (June-September, 2011) was 101% from west Rajasthan was delayed and it com- of its long period average (LPA) and 107% of its menced only on 23rd September, 2011. Season LPA over Northwest India, 110% of its LPA over rainfall over NE India was below its LPA by 14%. Central India, 100% of its LPA over south Penin- Season rainfall over south Peninsula was normal. sula and 86% of its LPA over Northeast India. In However, the season rainfall over Central India the country, as a whole, out of 603 meteorologi- and NW India were 10% and 7% above their LPA cal districts for which data is available, 453 dis- values respectively. The cumulative season rain- tricts (76%) received excess/normal rainfall and fall from 1st June to 30th September 2011 was the remaining 150 districts (24%) received defi- excess in 7 meteorological subdivisions (21% of cient/scanty rainfall during the season. Monthly the total area of the country), normal in 26 me- rainfall over the country as a whole was 112% teorological subdivisions (71% of the total area of LPA in June, 85% of LPA in July, 110% of LPA in of the country) and deficient in 3 meteorologi- August and 106% of LPA in September. Advance cal sub divisions i.e., Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & of Southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea Meghalaya, and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and was delayed by about 10 days. The monsoon set Tripura (8% the total area of the country). The in over Kerala on 29 May, 2011, three days before sub-divisional cumulative season rainfall distri- its normal date of 1 June and covered the entire bution is shown in the table below (Table 4.1):

Table 4.1 : The cumulative season rainfall distribution in different regions in India during 2011 (Source: India Meteorological Department, Government of India (Web site: www.imd.gov.in)

Region Actual Rainfall in Long Period Actual for the year Coefficient of 2011(mm) Average (LPA) 2011 (% of LPA) Variation (CV) (mm) (% of LPA) ALL-INDIA 899.9 887.5 101 10.7 NORTHWEST(NW) 654.8 615.0 107 18.9 INDIA CENTRAL INDIA 1073.6 975.5 110 15.0 SOUTH PENINSULA 715.2 715.5 100 15.3 NORTHEAST (NE) INDIA 1233.6 1438.3 86 12.6

The details of South West Monsoon Rain- 4.4 (a) to (d). The map showing the Drought fall during June to September, 2011 in India prone districts in India is shown in Fig. 4.5. Fig. are shown in the map below (Fig. 4.3) where 4.6 shows a map indicating the districts and as the details of Sub-Division wise Monthly their ground water levels in India during the Rainfall Distribution over India during SW year 2011 and Fig. 4.7 shows a map of River Monsoon Season in 2011 are shown in Fig. Basins in India.

| 43 | IntroductionDrought

Fig. 4.3 : A map showing the details of South West Monsoon Rainfall during June to September, 2011 in India (Source: India Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India (Web site: www.imd.gov.in)

Fig. 4.4 (a), (b), (c), & (d) : Maps showing the details of Monthly Rainfall Distribution over India (Sub-Division wise) during SW Monsoon Season – 2011 (Source: India Meteorological Department, Government of India (Web site: www.imd.gov.in)

| 44 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Fig. 4.5: A map showing the Drought prone Districts in India . Source: Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India (Web site : http://wrmin.nic.in)

Fig. 4.6: A map indicating the districts and their ground water levels in Indiaduring 2011. Source: Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India (Web site : http://wrmin.nic.in)

| 45 | IntroductionDrought

Fig. 4.7: A map of River Basins in India. Source: Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India (Web site : http://wrmin.nic.in)

The drought situation in some of the most by 15 June 2011. During June-2011 the state as drought affected states in India is described a whole received actual rainfall of 200 mm as below: against its normal rainfall of 183 mm with (+) 10 % departure from normal. The interior parts of Karnataka Karnataka received below normal rainfall. Dur- During the year 2011, though the monsoon ing June 2011 rainfall was deficit in 58 taluks. started in time, the state of Karnataka except During July 2011, the state as a whole recorded Karavali and Malnad Regions experienced mod- 234 mm rainfall as against its normal rainfall of erate rains. During May-2011, the state as a whole 266 mm with departure from normal being (-) recorded only 71.7 mm rainfall as against its 12 %. The districts of Chitradurga, Davanagere, normal rainfall of 87.2 mm with departure from Chamarajanagara, Mysore, Belgaum, Haveri, normal being (-) 15.5%. Out of 176 taluks in the Dharwad, Hassan and Chikmangalur recorded state 79 taluks recorded deficit / scanty rainfall. deficit rainfall. 72 taluks recorded deficit /scanty The onset of monsoon over the southern part of rainfall during the month. The Coastal, Malnad state was on 2 June and was on time. The prog- and South interior Karnataka regions recorded ress of the monsoon trend was normal and cov- below normal rainfall. During August 2011, the ered most parts of the state by 10 June, 2011 state received 230 mm rain as against normal except parts of Bidar, Gulbarga, Yadgir and Rai- rainfall of 196 mm with departure from normal chur districts. Monsoon covered the entire state of 17%. The rainfall was deficit during the month

| 46 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

in the districts of Chitradurga and Bellary. Dur- 2011 caused late season drought of rare severity. ing September 2011, the state witnessed scanty The dry spell in interior Karnataka during Sep- rainfall in 17 districts of interior Karnataka with tember 2011 continued in to October 2011 in departure from normal up to (-) 81%. The Coastal many districts. Though the cumulative rainfall de- and Malnad region received excess rainfall dur- parture from normal for the State as a whole dur- ing the month. South interior Karnataka recorded ing 1st June 2011 to 14th was (-) 4% from normal, only 44 mm rain during the month as against the failure of monsoon during September and Octo- normal rainfall of 134 mm. The North interior Kar- ber 2011 resulted in late season drought. Fig. 4.8 nataka region received 57 mm rainfall as against indicates a map showing the drought affected normal rainfall of 152 mm. September 2011 rain- taluks in Karnataka during 2011. The percent- fall was the second worst event in South Interior age departure of cumulative rainfall in Karna- Karnataka since 1971, and in North Interior Kar- taka from 1971 to 2011 is indicated in the chart nataka, third worst event since 1971. As on the below (Fig. 4.9). Fig. 4.10 shows a map indicating end of September 2011, 27% of the geographi- average cumulative rainfall patterns and Fig. 4.11 cal area in the state was under moderate/ se- shows a map showing Agricultural drought as- vere moisture stress covering interior regions of sessment in different drought prone districts of the state. Failure of Monsoon during September Karnataka.

Fig. 4.8: A map showing the drought affected taluks in Karnataka during 2011. Source: Relief Department, Government of Karnataka

| 47 | IntroductionDrought

Fig. 4.9: A chart showing the % departure of cumulative rainfall (from 1971 to 2011) Source: Relief Department, Government of Karnataka

Fig. 4.10: A map indicating average cumulative rainfall patterns in Karnataka. Source: Relief Department, Government of Karnataka

| 48 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Fig. 4.11:A map showing Agricultural drought assessment in different drought prone districts of Karnataka. Source: Relief Department, Government of Karnataka

South West Monsoon drives the Kharif agri- The situation was reviewed on 15 October 2011 cultural activities in the state of Karnataka. Gen- and 6 more taluks were declared as drought af- erally 30 September is the normal withdrawal fected. With no respite in the situation, 9 more of South West Monsoon in the state. Taking into taluks were declared as drought affected on 8th consideration of the drought indicators, deficit November 2011 In all 99 taluks were declared rain, dry spell/moisture stress prevailed in 70 ta- as drought affected. The summary of loss due luks of the state and were declared as drought to Drought during 2011, as per the government affected on 4 October 2011. 14 taluks were de- of Karnataka is presented in the table below clared as drought affected on 7th October 2011. (Table: 4.2):

| 49 | IntroductionDrought

Sl. Estimated loss (Rs in Relief claimed as per CRF Norms Item No. crores) (Rs in crores) 1 Agriculture Crop loss 4245.84 202.54 2 Horticulture Crop loss 299.00 13.94 3 Animal Husbandry a) Opening of Goshalas 23.92 b) Purchase of Fodder mini kits 4.20 c) Purchase of Fodder Banks 7.60 d) Nutrient supply and Vety care 4.20 Total of Sl No 3 39.92 4 RDPR Dept a) Revival of PWS 24.42 b) Revival of MWS 24.52 c) Retrieval / Hydro fracturing of bore-wells 18.23 d) Drilling of New bore-wells 18.24 e) Transportation of water 36.63 Total of Sl. No. 4 122.04 5 Additional funds under MGNREGS 4.80 6 Additional funds under Health Sector 10.00 7 Additional funds under Power Sector 330.00 Grand Total of Sl. No. 1 to 6 4544.84 723.24

Table 4.2: Summary of Losses due to Drought in Karnataka during 2011 Source: Relief Department, Government of Karnataka

Andhra Pradesh received an average rainfall of rainfall of 532.7 Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer of mm as against the normal of 624.1 mm, with a rice in India for which it is called the ‘rice bowl deviation of (-) 15%. Several mandals spread of India’. It has an area of 2,75,069 sq km with a over 20 districts had received deficit rainfall population of 84,665,533. The basins of Goda- of above (-) 20%. This deficit rainfall resulted vari, Krishna and Pennar and their tributaries in damage to standing rains fed crops due to serve as a constant source of irrigation for the moisture stress in more than 16 lakh hectares state. Agriculture is the mainstay of economy in as reported by the Department of Agricul- the State and also provides direct and indirect ture. Based on the District Collectors report of employment for more than 68% of the popu- scanty/ deficit rainfall with dry-spells resulting lation in the state. The Agriculture sector has in reduction of sown area and moisture stress been growing at a rate of 3.5 % per annum since to the crops sown and proposals to declare as 1995-96. The state grows a whole range of food drought affected mandals, Government after crops, cashcrops and fruits- rice, wheat tobacco, careful examination declared 456 mandals in 15 groundnut, bananas and mangoes. districts Namely, Anantapur (63), Nalgonda(52), During the South West Monson Period Karimnagar (50), Medak (43), Mahabubnagar (from June to September, 2011), the State had (41), Prakasam (38), Khammam (31), Kurnool

| 50 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

(29), YSR Kadapa (28), Rangareddy (26), Chittor mandals in Chittoor, 34 in Warangal, 18 in Adila- (13), Krishna (13), Guntur (11), Srikakulam(10), bad and 5 in Karimnagar) were also identified as and Visakhapatnam (08) as drought affected drought-affected. The number of affected man- mandals in view of deficient rainfall in 2011. Lat- dals in each districts are shown in the Table be- er, another 93 mandals in four districts (i.e., 36 low (Table 4.3):

Table4.3:- Details of districts declared Drought affected in Andhra Pradesh, during 2011 Source: Revenue (Relief) Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh

Name of State/No of Districts District & Date of Declaration of Drought* Andhra Pradesh 30.10.2011 (456 mandals in 15 districts) Anantapur (63), Nalgonda (52), Medak (43), Mahbubnagar (41), Prakasam (38), Khammam (31), Kurnool (29), Rangareddy (26), YSR Kadapa (26), Chittoor (13), Guntur (11), Karimnagar (50), Krishna (13), Srikakulam (10) and Visakhapatnam (8) districts. 93 mandals in 4 districts 18.11.2011 Chittoor (36), in Warangal (34), Adilabad (18) and Karimnagar (5)

Odisha Maldives A severe drought struck over many parts The climate in Maldives is warm round the of Odisha due to inadequate rainfall. During year with little variation in temperatures. The the year 2011, most of the districts in the State two distinct seasons in Maldives are dry season had received half the normal rainfall. Accord- (North East monsoon) and wet season (South- ing to Odisha Government revenue depart- West monsoon). Maldives consists of a group ment sources, Nuapada district in western of around 1200 islands in the Indian Ocean, out Orissa has received 56 per cent rainfall while of which around 200 islands in the southwest Boudh and Malkangiri recorded 63 and 61 per of India and south-southwest of Sri Lanka are cent,respectively, since the onset of the mon- inhabited. The average elevation of these islands soon in the second week of June. The situation is only 1.2 m above MSL. The average size of in Angul, Bargarh, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Deogarh, these islands are 40-60 hectors, the largest being Koraput, Jharsuguda and Sonepur was even 500 hectors. Since Maldives is not an agricultural worse. The cumulative rainfall recorded in the country, delay in onset of monsoon need not be state during June 1 to July 29 stood at 407.4 considered as drought. But when the duration of mm, 23.8% short of the anticipated normal North East monsoon (dry season) exceeds a cer- rainfall of 534.5 mm. Insufficient rainfall had tain limit, many islands may fall shortage of fresh affected agricultural activities in 17 of the water for drinking and other domestic purposes state’s 30 districts. Many farmers had to aban- since ground water in these islands is not suit- don transplanted fields as paddy saplings able for drinking and domestic usage. wilted due to lack of rainfall. Balangir, Bargarh, Boudh, Deogarh, Nuapada and Malkangiri dis- Nepal tricts have experienced 40% less than normal Nepal is a land locked country, exposed to vari- rainfall. ous types of natural and man- made disasters.

| 51 | IntroductionDrought

Though a vast network of rivers in Nepal create water. In Pakistan, migration of population due good ground water conditions, drought con- to drought is regular phenomena. In Pakistan, ditions also prevail in Nepal. Uneven, low and though massive canal network was available, the irregular rainfall is the main factor for occur- effect of droughts has not been controlled. Dur- rence of droughts in Nepal. The western part of ing the current decade, droughts have occurred Nepal, mid and far western terai is more vulner- in the Thar Desert of Sindh Arid Zone. Massive able to droughts. The entire mountainous region migratory trends have been witnessed continu- is generally dry. Out of the 75 districts of Nepal, ously from severe drought affected areas to irri- approximately 40 districts are food deficient as gated and urban areas. In places like Tharparkar a result of drought, the most affected summer where the economy is largely dependent on live- crops being maize (in the hills) and rice (in the stock, the impact of drought was very harsh. The Terai). Lack of irrigation facilities in the country pastures had dried up and fodder availability was makes the problem more serious. Nepal is also restricted, in some extreme cases non-existent. facing problems due to high poverty, low literacy Many of the livestock population had to subsist rate, poor public awareness, difficult and unde- on toxic bushes which had made them vulner- veloped physical infrastructure, policy support at able to diseases like pest des petites, enterotox- the top level, lack of cooperation and coordina- aemia, diarrhea and blood diarrhea. tion among various government agencies, slow decision making process etc, coupled with lack Sri Lanka of modern technology, early warning systems. Sri Lanka is a water rich country with an annual Now, the Government of Nepal is giving due im- rainfall of around 1860 mm. But Sri Lanka also portance to drought risk management and has experiences several drought situations periodi- undertaken agriculture and irrigation develop- cally. The main causes for droughts in Sri Lanka ment plans and programmes and ensure food are failure of monsoon rains, less than aver- security. age annual rainfall, high temperature, humid- ity, and evaporations etc. Data on occurrence Pakistan of droughts in Sri Lanka during the last three Drought frequently occurs in Pakistan. The Pun- decades reveals that some parts of the country jab Province, North-West Frontier Province and have experienced drought regularly. Sindh have experienced some of the worst Almost all parts of Sri Lanka have experi- droughts. According to the Economic Survey enced drought in the last thirty years. An average of Pakistan, the drought was one of the most of 11,000 hectares of paddy land gets destroyed significant factors responsible for the less than every year due to unavailability of water in suffi- anticipated growth performance. The most se- cient quantities. A vast extent of other crops get vere drought at the national scale occurred dur- affected by drought every year, resulting in huge ing 1999-2000, prolonging up to 2002 in many economic losses. areas of the country, as a result of which, the agriculture growth suffered a major setback and References: also causing acute shortage of food, fodder and 1. http://www.fews.net/docs/Publications/Afghani-

| 52 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

stan_OL_2012_02.pdf 9. Crisis Management Plan - Drought (National), De- 2. http://saarc-sdmc.nic.in/drought.asp. partment of Agriculture and Cooperation, Minis- 3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drought. try of Agriculture, GOI. 4. http://www.pecad.fas.usda.gov/highlights/2011/ 10. http://nrega.nic.in/DroughtStratDraft.pdf. mideast_cenasia_drought/ 11. G.O Ms No 22 & 23, dated 02.11.2011 & 05.11.2011 5. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ respectively, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Rev- ALeqM5iOEan4bw7oW-K_NxwhICGVsrJ_og enue Department, Drought Declaration. 6. The Financial Express 12. Memorandum Submitted to Governments of In- 7. http://ocha.unog.ch/OPS/Reports/daily/CAPProj- dia seeking Central Assistance for Drought Relief ectSheet_880_2010630.pdf. measures in Karnataka State, Government of Kar- 8. Drought Situations over India Persented by ( nataka, November, 2011. Jagvir Singh, G.R. Iyengar, T.N.Jha, B.P. Yadav 13. Revised Memorandum Submitted to Govern- and V.K.Jain(Ministry of Earth Sciences Na- ments of India seeking Central Assistance for tional Centre for Medium Range Weather Drought Relief measures in Karnataka State, Gov- Forecasting(NCMRWF) www.ncmrwf.gov.in. ernment of Karnataka, November, 2011. 14. http://wrmin.nic.in/index2.

| 53 | Introduction Chapter 5 Avalanche

An Overview temperature can trigger an avalanche. The casual- Avalanches, rapid downslope movement of snow ties of the avalanches usually occur at the base of mixed with air and water is a common menace the higher altitude reaches in the mountain rang- in the parts of the SAARC region situated in the es where human settlements are present. higher altitudes in the Himalayan-Hindukush As per the EMDAT data, Asia experienced the ranges. The countries vulnerable from this disas- major share of avalanches in the year 2011. The ter are Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Paki- Asian region had 13 avalanche events that ac- stan. The geo-morphological and hydro-meteo- counted for 248 lives. Contrary to this the Ameri- rological conditions prevalent in these countries cas though witnessed 4 events and 63 deaths, present ideal set-up for avalanches. Being located the number of affected people was much higher in the youngest fold mountain belt where slope than in Asia; a total of 4325 people were affect- conditions are steep and in many cases unstable, ed in the Americas whereas in Asia 2901 people heavy snowfall followed by even a slight rise in were affected (Table 5.1, Figures 5.1 and 5.2).

Table 5.1:Global avalanche events in the year 2011 (Source: EMDAT accessed on May 21, 2011).

Continent No. of Events Killed Total Affected Americas 4 63 4325 Asia 13 248 2901 Europe 1 3 1

Figure 5.1.:Number of avalanche events in the globein the year 2011. Figure 5.2:Number of global fatalities due to avalanches in the year 2011.

| 54 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

Table 5.2:Number of avalanche events in South Asia (Source: Data compiled by SDMC from media reports). The data for the year 2011 shows that among the SAARC countries Afghanistan, Nepal and Paki- Country No of events Number of fatalities stan experienced avalanche events. Among these, Afghanistan 2 24 Afghanistan had the maximum number of fatali- Nepal 3 6 ties though the number of events in Afghanistan Pakistan 3 3 was lesser in number as compared to Nepal and Total 8 33 Pakistan (Table 5.2, Figures 5.3 and 5.4).

Figure 5.3:Number of avalanche events and fatalities in SAARC countries in 2011.

A comparative study of distribution of of deaths due to avalanches in the region avalanches in the SAARC countries for the was significantly less than the previous year period 2007-2011 shows that the number (Figure 5.5).

Figure 5.5.:Comparison of number of people of died due to avalanches Figure 5.4:Percentage of fatalities in SAARC countries in 2011. in SARC countries during 2007-2011.

| 55 | IntroductionAvalanche

Afghanistan Nepal One person was killed and two were injured An avalanche ensued by hours-long snowstorms, when an avalanche struck Sheekay district of killed a man and his baby girl in Langtang, a re- on February 8. In anoth- mote village in Rasuwa district, on March 24 er incident, avalanches in Daikundee province night. killed at least 23 and wounded another five on The avalanche also displaced over 15 fam- February 17 and closed the roads between dis- ilies as their houses were damaged. The trage- tricts and the center of the province. The inci- dy occurred in Mundu and Sindum villages of dent occurred as a result of heavy snow fall in Langtang inside the Langtang National Park. Sang Takhat district and some other areas of that As the avalanche and snowstorm completely province. Seven residential houses were also de- damaged VSAT-telephones, the CDO office in stroyed due to avalanches and snows. The au- Dhunche, the district headquarters of Rasuwa, thorities came forward with relief and rescue and learnt about the incident next day. Though approached the charity institutions and govern- the damaged telephone network could be mental organisations for taking necessary steps restored, it took some tome for the electricity in this regard2 (figures 5.6 and 5.7). lines to be restored3. In another incident in the first week of June, two persons including a Japanese na- tional died after they got buried under snow during a trek in the Langtang region. The Japanese tourist and his guide got buried un- der the snow as they were returning towards Helambu via Gonjala Pass after climbing the Nayagang (5800m) peak4. On November 11, two Korean nationals were buried in the ava- lanche while returning from Mt. Lhotse. The Figure 5.6: People being evacuated from avalanche hit areas (Source: Bakhtar News Agency). rescue was delayed due to the bad weather condition5.

Pakistan On February 14, heavy rains and avalanches killed three people and wounded seven others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The avalanche was triggered by torrential rains and a rapidly advancing avalanche hit a hamlet in Kun Kandia valley, killing a man and a girl while sev- en others suffered injuries. As a consequence of this the Karakorum highway got blocked at sev- Figure 5.7: Relief and rescue operations in avalanche affected areas (Source: Bakhtar News Agency). eral places and power supply to hilly areas of the

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province was disrupted. Continuous downpour upon them. Such mass scale death of goats and snowfall also affected life in Abbottabad. The as a result of mound fall had inflicted great fi- road between Abbottabad and Murree via Galyat nancial loss on poor tribesmen7. had to be closed for traffic. Snow and landslides also blocked several link roads in Galyat6. References In another incident that took place in the 1. Daily Outlook month of July, several hundreds of goats were 2. Bakhtar News Agency buried alive when a mountainous mound fell 3. Republica News upon them in Ghundi Husankhel area of fron- 4. Nepal News tier region Lakki. According to reports, goats’ 5. Kantipur News herds were grazing in the mountainous area 6. Dawn News when suddenly a mound slipped and fell 7. The Frontier Post

| 57 | Introduction Chapter 6 Heat and Cold Wave

An Overview face temperature was 0.8°C (1.49°F) above the The year 2011, was recorded as the 11 warm- 20 century average of 8.5°C (47.3°F) and ranked est year since record keeping started in the as the eighth warmest on record. The 2011 year 1880. The annual global land and ocean global average ocean temperature was 0.40°C surface temperatures for this year was 0.51°C (0.72°F) above the 20 century average of 16.1°C (0.92°F) above the 20 century average of 13.9°C (60.9°F) and ranked as the 11 warmest on re- (57.0°F). Comparatively speaking however, cord1. The annual global temperature anomaly 2011 was less warm than 2010 and 2005 which map for the year 2011(Fig 6.1) shows a cluster- were the warmest recorded years in the globe. ing of high temperature anomalies over parts Separately, the 2011 global average land sur- of India.

Figure 6.1:Global temperature anomaly for the period January to December 2011 (Source: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/global/2011/13).

Cold Wave Bangladesh Many parts of South Asia experienced severe The beginning of 2011 brought in severe cold cold wave conditions in the beginning of 2011. wave conditions in Bangladesh. About 50 peo- Many people died and thousands were affected ple died and nearly one lakh were affected in (Appendix IV). the cold wave conditions that prevailed over

| 58 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

the country in the beginning of the year (Ap- Cold related diseases increased and the pendix IV). Starting from the beginning of Janu- hospitals in the affected districts struggled to ary the country witnessed unprecedented win- accommodate the flow of patients (Fig. 6.2). ter. Though the average winter temperature for Children were the worst among the sufferers be- the country in January, the coldest month, is cause of their vulnerability and absence of spe- 10°C, the mercury dipped by 2-5° in many parts cialised children’s wards in the hospitals3, 4. of the country. In many parts of the country the temperature went down upto 4.5°C, the lowest in last 45 years according to Bangladesh Meteo- rological Department sources2. Increase in wind speed of the upper jet stream was cited as a reason for the intense cold wave3. The affected districts were Panchagar, Th- agurgaon, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, kuri- gram, Gaibandha, Nilphamari, Bogra, Sirajganj, Pabna, Naogaon, Natore, Rajshahi and Chapain- awabganj2. Thick fog blanketed the affected ar- eas during night and morning hours. River and Figure6.3:A homeless boy shivers in the bone-chilling cold (Source: The Daily Star). road communication were severely disrupted. Flights, train services and river transport were The cold wave conditions returned in the lat- heavily disrupted due to low visibility conditions. er part of the year in December when many suf- Many water vessels got stranded and could not fered and several died. The dead included many operate, making river transport, one of the ma- children. Lives of the poor and street dwellers be- jor modes of transport in the country highly dis- came miserable4 (Fig 6.3). turbed3. Many people were stranded as the ferry services were disrupted. India Many parts of India experienced severe cold wave conditions in 2011. According to em-Dat sources (Appendix IV), 80 people died in the month of January due to cold wave conditions. The affected states were Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Bihar. Severe cold wave / cold wave conditions prevailed over most of the northern and central parts of the country on most of the days during the first three weeks of January. These conditions also Figure 6.2: Mothers with babies in their laps waiting in the corridor of Nilphamari Sadar Hospital prevailed over the peninsular parts of the coun- (Source: The Daily Star). try during the second and third week of January.

| 59 | IntroductionHeat and Cold Wave

Minimum temperatures were below normal by ruary, these conditions prevailed only at isolated over 5°C on many days over central and penin- places on some occasions over parts of peninsula sular parts of the country. However, during Feb- and eastern parts of the country.

Figure 6.4: Mean seasonal temperature anomalies in °C (Source: Climate Diagnostics Bulletin of India, Winter Season January-February 2011, National Climate Centre).

Table 6.1:Low temperature in parts of India during January Figure 6.4 shows the mean seasonal maximum 2011 (Source: www.newsonair.nic.in, www.thehindu.com, and minimum temperatures in India. Minimum www.ddnews.gov.in). temperatures were below normal over many Location Temperature parts of the country except parts of northern/ Delhi 4.3°C, 3 °below normal northwestern and northeastern region and parts Qazigund (Jammu & 9.8 °C of extreme south peninsula. Over north penin- Kashmir) Keylong (Lahaul & Spiti) 15°C sula and adjoining central and eastern parts of Narnaul (Haryana) 0.5°C the country, minimum temperatures were be- Karnal 2°C low 0 normal by 1 to 2°C. Over parts of Jammu & Hissar 2.5°C Kashmir, west and east Rajasthan, Saurashtra and Ludhiana 5.7°C Kutch, these were above normal by about 1°C5. Ambala 3.2°C The New Year in India brought cold spells Mount Abu -3°C that swept over many parts of the country Ranchi 4.2°C throwing life out of gear and causing miseries to Kandhamal (Odisha) -1.5°C the affected areas. In the first week of January it- Gaya 2.5°C self, the maximum and minimum temperatures Agra 0.6°C, 6° below normal in many parts dipped alarming below normal. Some of the recorded temperatures in India in states in many ways. In Srinagar the famous the first week of January are given in table 6.1. Dal Lake had frozen which had an impact on The severity of cold weather affected the the business of boat and shilkara operators for

| 60 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

quite some period (Fig. 6.5 and 6.6). In Himachal was also delayed as the trains were operated at Pradesh, the Surajtal and Chandratal lakes and a lower speeds to avoid accidents. Road accidents 70 kilometer stretch of Chandrabhaga River were in the night and morning hours increased due to completely frozen. low visibility conditions. Poor people living in the The piercing chilly weather in the country streets had a miserable time. Many lost their lives accompanied with dense fog enveloping many or suffered (Fig. 6.7-6.8). Cold related diseases parts during morning and night disrupted life. increased. However, in many states the govern- Schools in many states were closed. Air, rail and ments released funds to provide shelter, food, road traffic were hampered. Flights were delayed clothes, blankets and medical facilities to the leading to miseries of the passengers. Rail traffic poor and destitute6, 7, 8.

Figure 6.5:Kashmiri vegetable seller collects vegetables from the snow Figure 6.6: A Kashmiri woman rows her traditional boat on the frozen cover field near the Dal Lake in Srinagar waters of the Dal Lake in Srinagar (Source: www. newshopper.sulekha.com). (Source: www. newshopper.sulekha.com).

Figure 6.7:A calf joins people sitting near a bonfire to keep warm in Figure 6.8: Homeless people warm themselves near burning coal on a , India cold morning in Jammu (Source: www. newshopper.sulekha.com) (Source: www. newshopper.sulekha.com).

| 61 | IntroductionHeat and Cold Wave

Heat Wave Pradesh also sizzled under severe heat wave con- Several parts of India reeled under severe heat ditions. In Odisha the western and interior parts wave conditions in the months preceding mon- showed very high temperatures while tempera- soon. Many parts of northern India, peninsular In- ture in the coastal parts was variable. dia and some coastal parts bore the brunt. References: The northern states of India: Delhi, Uttar 1. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/global/2011/13 Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana saw steep 2. http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resour rise in daytime temperatures that affected peo- ces/5359066B6095F92285257849005E9955-Full_ ple’s lives. The temperatures recorded in some of Report.pdf the major cities of northern India in the middle 3. The Independent of May were: Delhi (44.1°C, + 5°C), Jhansi (46°C), 4. The Daily Star Allahabad (42°C), (42.3°C), Hissar (45.2°C), 5. Climate Diagnostics Bulletin of India, Winter Sea- Amritsar (44.8°C, +5°C), Ludhiana (43.4°C), Patiala son January-February 2011, National Climate Cen- (43°C), Karnal (42°C), Chandigarh (40.9°C), Churu tre (48.6°C, +8°C), Sriganganagar (46.9°C), Bikaner 6. www.newsonair.nic.in (45.7°C), Kota (44.7°C), Jaisalmer (44.3°C) and Pi- 7. www.thehindu.com lani (44.1°C)9 . 8. www.ddnews.gov.in The coastal states of Odisha and Andhra 9. www.ibnlive.in.com

| 62 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Chapter 7 Forest Fire

An Overview of Afghanistan in March (Fig. 7.1). The fire raged The South Asian countries have a history of de- for several hours and nearly half of the 129 struction of precious forest cover due to for- hectare forest was gutted. This old forest area est fire. In most of the cases the forest fires are was a source of greenery and pleasant weather initiated by human negligence. The incidents during the summer months in the region. The predominantly occur in dry winter or summer local people joined hands with the firefighters months when the trees retain less moisture. In in controlling the fire. However, it took long to 2011 there were reports of forest fire from Af- control the forest fire due to lack of adequate ghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and fire extinguishing equipment. There were no Sri Lanka. casualties in the fire. The Governor’s office pro- posed construction of roads, retaining walls and Afghanistan procurement of necessary fire fighting equip- A huge forest fire broke out in the city of ments to prevent future fires in the forests in Laskargah in the southern Hemland province the area1,2.

Figure 7.1: Fire raging in Lashkargah (www. pajhwok.com). Figure 7.2:Smoke billowing out of forest fire in Sundarbans in Bangladesh (Source: http://dev.bdnews24.com).

Bangladesh est. The local people came forward to join hands A forest fire was reported from the Nagli camp in with the firemen and forest department officials Chandpali range of east Sundarbans in Bangla- in controlling the fire by cutting the line of fire3, 4. desh in March (Fig. 7.2). The fire spread sporadical- In another incident in Rauzan, Chittagong ly at ground level across several acres of the for- several thousands of rubber trees spread over

| 63 | IntroductionForest Fire

79 acres of plantation were burnt to ashes in started in Mongar in the morning. Forest of- March. The loss incurred in the fire was estimat- ficial along with 30 volunteers worked tire- ed at several crores of Taka. It took enormous lessly to control the fire. Though the fire could effort of the officials to control the fire as ini- be prevented from spreading to the adjacent tially they were unable to reach the peak of the highway, the steepness of the terrain, strong hills. The incident was ascribed to the act of a wind and the thick undergrowth of lemon grass group of miscreants who earlier cut down sev- hampered the progress of work. The fire was eral rubber trees and then set fire to the forest4. suspected to have been started by some cow herders5. Bhutan In a similar incident, a fire possibly started Among the South Asian countries Bhutan has by burning of debries by villagers raged in the maximum forest cover and every year the coun- Pam village of Trashigang 25 acres of forest try witnesses forest fire incidents mostly in the land on April 6 (Fig. 7.4) . dry winter months. The year 2011 was no excep- tion to this trend. In the last week of January a forest fire in Thimphu destroyed about 250 acres of for- est and some properties. It was spotted by some people at the Wangchu Bank and be- fore it could be brought under control, the fire reached the nearby shops and houses (Fig. 7.3). Large quantity of timber and other merchan- dise were destroyed5. In the last days of the month of February, three separate fire incidents spread over three Figure 7.3: Forest fire near Thimphu that destroyed 250 acres days destroyed nearly 2000 acres of forest land of forest land (Source: Kuensel). in Bhutan. In the first incident in Ngatsang ge- wog a forest fire destroyed more than 650 acres of forest land on February 23. Another fire start- ed in Lingmethang the next day and destroyed more than 1000 acres of trees while the last fire, which started next day, destroyed about 400 acres of forest land. Acres of lemon grass land and saplings were destroyed in the fire. The for- est officials were aided by the local people in firefighting but the steep terrain impeded the progress of fire control measures5. On March 15, more than 200 acres of Figure 7.4: Fire raging on the slopes of Trashigang (Source: Kuensel). chirpine forest was destroyed in a fire that

| 64 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

India considerable effort to bring the fire under con- A major fire broke out atop Ramadevara and Be- trol. The wild fire was first reported by some tour- lagumba hills located in the Devarayanadurga ists who were near a forest watch tower on the forests near Tumkur in the southern Indian state premises of the Chembra peak estate and in no of Karnataka on 18 January. According to the vil- time the fire spread swiftly to the adjacent forest, lagers in Belagumba, the entire hill measuring fed by the winds. Many areas on the mountain around 1,000 acres was engulfed in fire, destroy- were inaccessible but the foresters' team could ing varieties of plants and animal species. Ac- bring the fire under control. As a precaution- cording to the officials, the place where the fire ary measure, trekking to the Chembra peak was broke out was a government land which was banned for a few days6. being used for the purpose of cow grazing (Go- The hill range housing Sri Varahalakshmi mala). A group of 20 fire fighters were pressed Nrusimhaswamy temple in Visakhapatnam in into service to extinguish the fire. It was sus- Andhra Pradesh was on fire at several places on pected that the fire had claimed the lives of wild March 6 with valuable forest cover getting de- boars, leopards, monkeys, rabbits, and different stroyed (Fig. 7.6). According to the locals, this types of birds with their eggs and nests and also has become a common feature during this time destroyed various types of valuable medicinal of the year with unscrupulous elements deliber- plants6. ately burning the forest cover to convert it into A wildfire destroyed 10 hectares of grass- charcoal for commercial sale illegally. Fire began lands in Koottakal and Choriyanthandu areas on the hill slope adjacent to Annadanam Build- of the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary in January (Fig. ing behind the temple premises in the morning 7.5). The fire was brought under control by the when some people lit a heap of garbage alleg- joint efforts of forest officials, activists of the Eco- edly dumped by the hotel and lodge owners Development Committee (EDC) and a fire and despite several warnings from the Simhachalam Rescue team from Cheruthoni. According to of- Devasthanam. By evening fire spread to several ficial estimates, four hectares at Koottakal and places like Madhavadhara, near Thatichetlapalem six hectares at Choriyanthandu were destroyed and Seethammadhara and in the darkness the by the fire. A senior official of the Forest Depart- rings of fire were visible from many parts in the ment said it was likely that the fires were created Visakhapatnam city. by anti-social elements. The authorities called In another incident, the forests in the Ti- for the support and participation of the general rumala hill ranges in Andhra Pradesh erupted public to prevent such incidents in future6. in fire on March 9. Described as ‘creeping fire' in Another instance of wildfire was reported the parlance of forestry, the surface fire is said to from Kerala that destroyed more than 100 hect- have damaged by and large shrub jungles and ares of grass land on the Chembra peak, home to trees here and there without however damaging unique flora and fauna, in the Kottappadi section their roots. Many ‘low order creatures' like snakes, of the Meppadi range of forests under the South mongoose, scorpions perished in the forest fire. Wayanad Forest Division. Forest Department of- Six acres of banana plantation including 50 ficials, activists of the EDC and villagers put in teak trees, worth Rs.14 lakh were destroyed in

| 65 | IntroductionForest Fire

a fire caused by electric short circuit at Thim- Five houses and 18 sheds belonging to local resi- mapuram village in Guntakal rural in Andhra dents were reduced to ashes in the inferno that Pradesh on May 19. The fire mishap occurred at swept through the Singhalek Community Forest a time when the banana crop was ready for har- and engulfed adjoining forests. The injured were vesting. Strong gales caused the electric short admitted to the local hospital. Around 100 hect- circuit and the sparks emanating from the live ares of forest were estimated to have been de- overhead wires fell on the dried banana leaves stroyed in the fire7. triggering the fire. The fire also destroyed teak Another raging fire engulfed over one-and- plantations worth Rs. 8 lakh and the entire drip a-half dozen community forests in Udayapur irrigation system in the plantation6. district for over a week in March and caused severe damage to the ecosystem and proper- ties. The blaze engulfed Chapan, Chapanmahila, Asari, Babari, Nawaudaya, Saraswati, Hokse com- munity forests in Triyuga Municipality and the locals found it difficult to control the fire. Ac- cording to the Federation of Community Forest Users, Nepal, around 1,000 hectares of the for- ests were destroyed in the fire7.

Sri Lanka Hundreds of acres of forest, atop the Piduruta- Figure 7.5: Wildfire raging in the Kannampady forest area under the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (Source: The Hindu). lagala Mountain in Nuwara Eliya, had been de- stroyed by a humongous fire that raged through- out February 23. The fire could be brought under control by evening with the help of the Fire Bri- gade, Police, armed forces and the public. Prelimi- nary investigations confirmed the District Secre- tary’s suspicion that someone may have set the forest on fire8. Another forest fire broke out in the Kalu- galla Patana area in Ududumbara on the Eastern slope of the Knuckles Range on June 27, destroy- ing over 600 acres of forest cover. According to Figure 7.6:Forest on fire on Simhachalam Hill range (Source: The Hindu). the authorities, the fire had spread from Kalugal Nepal Patana area to Yahangala Patana area. Dousing Three persons were injured and 23 houses and the fire became difficult because it had spread sheds gutted in a fire that raged in six commu- along a slope along with strong winds. However, nity forests of Jhula and Garayala VDCs in Rukum the fire had been doused with the support of a district for 2-3 days in the first week of January. SLAF Bell 212 helicopter and the deployment of

| 66 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

over 50 Sri Lanka Army personnel. The Knuckles set fire to the forest to track down wild animals9. Range witnessed another fire on July 31, when a In another incident, over 300 acres of forest sudden fire erupted and destroyed about 30 to cover was destroyed by fire which erupted in 40 acres of a pinus forest land. It became difficult Keerthi Bandarapura in Walapane on August 11. to douse the fire as it had spread fast, aided by Earlier, attempts by the Walapane police to extin- the prevailing dry weather in the region. guish the fire with the assistance of the residents On June 28, about 30 acres of forest land in in the area proved abortive and the assistance of Digampathana in Sigiriya were completely de- the SLAF had been sought and the fire could be stroyed by fire that ravaged the area and de- controlled later8. stroyed more than 500 valuable plants. The For- On September 3, an area extending up to est Conservation Department said the fire had 10 acres in the Imaduwa State Timber Reserve spread rapidly because of the dry weather con- in Laggala was completely destroyed due to a ditions prevailing in the area and the difficulty in wildfire that could be controlled after a long op- accessing the area devastated by fire contributed eration. The forest officers were assisted by the to the delay in extinguishing it. The fire was final- Laggala police, Laggala forest office and the vil- ly doused by forest officers who were assisted by lagers of the area. Large amount of timber was the Dambulla Urban Council fire Brigade, the Si- destroyed in the fire. Difficulty in accessing the giriya police and local villagers9. origin of the fire contributed to the delay in ex- On August 4, a large area of the Hingurugoda tinguishing it9. Forest Reserve in Meegahakiula was destroyed by fire. In about 12 hours the fire spread over an References: area of more than 20 acres. A turpentine planta- 1. www. pajhwok.com tion was the worst affected. The Hingurugoda 2. http://english.ruvr.ru Forest Reserve that falls under the administration 3. http://dev.bdnews24.com of Forest Conservation Department is primar- 4. The Independent ily a reforestation project, but many other trees 5. Kuensel including teak, satin wood, lihiniya, ketakela and 6. The Hindu rare species of plants are found within the re- 7. Kantipur News serve. An official of the Forest Conservation De- 8. The Island partment was of the opinion that poachers had 9. Daily Mirror

| 67 | Introduction Chapter 8 Earthquake

An overview as reported by SADR (2010)1 of SAARC Di- The year 2011 witnessed significant and dev- saster Management Centre (SDMC). About astating earthquakes of varying strengths eighteen earthquake events with magni- in several parts of the globe, which caused tude greater than 7.0 occurred in all over huge losses of both property and persons. the world (Table 8.1), which was found to be The frequency of earthquake events surged more devastating in terms of death toll and globally in comparison to last year 2010 destruction (Table 8.1).

Table 8.1 : Global Earthquakes Magnitude (> 7.0) and Greater in 2011 (Source: USGS2)

Year/Month/Day Longitude Depth(km) Magnitude Region 2011 /01 /01 -63.136 577 7.0 Santiago del Estero, Argentina 2011/ 01 /02 -73.326 24 7.2 Araucania, Chile 2011 /01 /13 168.471 9 7.0 Loyalty Islands 2011 /01 /18 63.951 68 7.2 Southwestern Pakistan 2011 /03 /09 142.842 32 7.3 Near East Coast of Honshu, Japan 2011 /03 / 11 142.373 29 9.0 Near East Coast of Honshu, Japan 2011 /03 / 11 141.111 43 7.9 Near East Coast of Honshu, Japan 2011/ 03 /11 144.590 19 7.7 Near East Coast of Honshu, Japan 2011/ 04/ 07 141.573 42 7.1 Near East Coast of Honshu, Japan 2011/ 06 / 24 -171.837 52 7.2 Fox Islands, Aleutian Islands 2011/ 07 /06 -176.413 68 7.6 Kermadec Islands region 2011/ 07 /10 143.264 23 7.0 Off the East Coast of Honshu, Japan 2011 /08 /20 168.098 32 7.2 Vanuatu 2011/ 08 /20 168.222 28 7.1 Vanuatu 2011/ 08/ 24 -74.506 145 7.0 Northern Peru 2011/ 09 /03 169.748 171 7.0 Vanuatu 2011/ 09 /15 -179.270 593 7.3 Fiji region

Most devastating tsunamigenic earthquake and Indian Ocean, including the coastal countries (Mw 9.0) rocked near the east coast of Honshu, of SAARC regional Countries (Bangladesh, India, Japan on March 11, 2011 in which about 20,000 Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). people were killed. This great tsunamigenic Analyses of the global earthquake data re- earthquake of Japan created a wide-scale panic lated to its frequency and the trend of different among the people of coastal countries of Pacific strengths (M > 6.0) suggests that trend assumed

| 68 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

a positive slope since 2009 (160) to 2011(204) as year 2011 though witnessed the 2011 great tsu- shown in Figure 8.1, while analyses of global di- namigenic Japan earthquake (Mw 9.0), but death saster scenario in comparison to previous years toll was restricted to about 20,352, which was 2009-2010, the total number of people killed much lesser than that of previous year as report- during these years showed erratic variation. The ed by SADR (2010)1 (Table 8.2). maximum death toll was reported in the previ- ous year 2010 (3, 20, 129), while the year 2011 reported a total death toll of only 21, 401 people due to earthquake (Figures 8.2 – 8.3) in spite of the number of moderate to strong earthquakes occurred in the year 2010 was lesser (174) than that of the year 2011 (204). It is worth to men- tion that death toll in the year 2010 was a dras- tically very high because of the great 2010 Haiti killer earthquake (Mw 7.6) and the 2010 Qinghai earthquake in which a total of 2,22,570 and 2,968 Figure 8.1: Graph showing number of earthquakes of different people were reported dead, respectively. The magnitudes occurred during last four years.

Table 8.2: Loss of lives during damaging earthquakes that occurred in the year 2011

Date UTC Region Magnitude Number Killed * 2011/ 01/ 18 Southwestern Pakistan 7.2 3 2011/ 02 /04 Myanmar-India border region 6.2 1 2011/ 02 /21 South Island of New Zealand 6.1 181 2011/ 03/ 10 Myanmar-China border region 5.5 25 2011/ 03 /11 Near East Coast of Honshu, Japan 9.0 20,352 2011/ 03 /24 Myanmar 6.9 74 2011 /04 /07 Near East Coast of Honshu, Japan 7.1 3 2011 /04 /11 Eastern Honshu, Japan 6.6 7 2011/ 05/ 11 Spain 5.1 10 2011 /07 /19 Kyrgyzstan 6.1 14 2011 /09/ 05 Northern Sumatra, Indonesia 6.7 10 2011 /09 /18 Sikkim, India 6.9 108 2011/ 09 /19 Guatemala 5.6 1 2011 /10 /23 Eastern Turkey 7.1 601 2011 /10 /28 Near the coast of central Peru 6.9 1 2011 /11 /09 Eastern turkey 5.6 8 2011 /12 /11 Guerrero, Mexico 6.5 2 Total 21,401 * Includes "missing and presumed dead"; (Accessed on 6-01-2012) (Source: USGS)

| 69 | Introduction Earthquake

cro to moderate earthquakes generated enough public panic in the region.

Table 8.3a: Significant earthquakes of South Asia Region 2011

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Afghanistan 1 5 10 29 34 Bangladesh 0 0 1 5 0 Bhutan 1 4 3 1 1 India & 77 82 56 70 27 Adjacent region Maldives 0 0 0 0 1 Figure 8.3a: Graph showing global estimated death toll due to earthquakes during 2007 - 2011 Nepal 23 24 18 19 45 Pakistan 25 7 5 17 13 South Asian Seismicity in 2011 Sri Lanka 0 0 1 0 1 A majority of south Asian countries is very Total 127 122 94 141 122 much prone to high seismic potential because of intricate seismotectonic settings and complex geology of the region. A total of five countries (Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan) of SAARC Member States are located in the vicin- ity of the Himalaya, which is seismically very ac- tive. Other three countries (Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka) are associated with coastal hazards and having history of experiencing earthquake shaking from the nearby seismogenic zones of neighbouring countries. The occurrences of earthquakes were found to take place differently in different periods. In comparison to the years Figure 8.3b: Graph showing distribution of earthquakes for of 2007 – 2010, the year 2011 recorded relatively last 5-years for South Asia (Source: EMDAT, GDAC, IMD, PMD, NSC, SDMC) lesser earthquakes (4.0 < M < 9.1) in the South Asian country (Figure 8.3a, Table 8.3a, Appendi- Earthquakes were reported by several agen- ces VA - VC). Earthquakes reported by different cies other than EMDAT3, and GDAC4 (Appendix agencies for South Asian earthquakes are shown VA), such as India Meteorological Department in the enclosed appendices that reflect uneven (IMD) (Appendix VB), and National Seismological distribution of earthquakes of different strengths Centre of Nepal (NSC) (Appendix VC), different in the region. Most of earthquakes recorded dur- sources showed seismic propensity for the year ing the year 2011 were not damaging except the 2011 of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives Islands September 18, 2011 Sikkim – Nepal Border earth- and Sri Lanka is comparatively much lesser than quake, while majority of earthquakes even of mi- those of other SAARC Member countries (Table

| 70 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

8.3a), while other SAARC countries located in maximum affect followed by Nepal. This observa- the vicinity of Himalayan region, except Bhu- tion is corroborated with the size and number of tan showed appreciable number of earthquake stronger earthquakes that rocked different SAA- events. Maximum number of moderate earth- RC countries. quakes occurred in Nepal (45), followed by Af- ghanistan (34), India and its border region (27), and Pakistan (13).

Earthquake Damage Scenario of 2011 The overall damage pattern in terms of peo- ple killed and people affected due to different earthquakes are shown in Figures 8.3 (b & c) that clearly depict that India is worst sufferer followed by Nepal, and Bhutan. This scenario of dam- age is mainly contributed to the September 18, 2011 Sikkim – Nepal trans-boundary earthquake, Figure 8. 3c: Distribution of people killed during earthquakes in SAARC which killed people in the border region of India, Member States Nepal and Bhutan, though its epicenter was lo- cated in the northern part of Sikkim, India.

Table 8. 3b: A table showing percentage distribution of damage pattern

Country Killed % no of Tot. % of Killed Affected Number affected Bhutan 1 0.82% 20016 2.8 India 112 91.80% 575200 80.62 Nepal 7 5.74% 117213 16.44 Pakistan 2 1.64% 1000 0.14

Total 122 100 713429 100 Figure 8.3d: Distribution of people affected during earthquakes in SAARC Member States (Source: EMDAT3) Significant Earthquakes of South Asian A total of 122 people were reported to have Region in 2011 been killed in SAARC region during the year 2011, among which 112 were from India, seven Afghanistan from Nepal, two from Pakistan, and one from Bhutan (Table 8.3b). But the statistical distribu- Afghanistan has proven track record of exhibit- tion of the people affected during 2011 due ing high seismic propensity because of its com- to earthquakes are found much more in Bhu- plicated seismotectonic settings associated with tan than that of Pakistan, while India showed several sets of seismogenic faults and linea-

| 71 | Introduction Earthquake

ments, making the region seismically vulnerable Hindu Kush Earthquakes and hazardous as evident from the Seismic Haz- An earthquake of magnitude 5.6 rocked the ard Map of Afghanistan as shown in Figure 8.4a Hindu Kush region on March 21, 2011 at 0949 Distribution of historical seismicity (1990 - 2011) GMT2. The depth of the earthquake was 184.60 recorded till the year 2011 (Figure 8.4b) is found km and its impact was strongly felt in north- to be very much corroborative with the seis- east of Afghanistan at 36.5631 degrees north mic hazard map of Afghanistan. Afghanistan latitude and 70.9438 degrees east longitude. was associated with some of following percep- There were no reports of damage of structures tible earthquakes that generated sufficient panic without any causality in the region9. among its people. North Afghanistan Earthquake On May 14, 2011, an earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck in remote region of north Afghanistan. The epicenter was located at about 140 km (86 miles) from Khorugh in Tajikistan and 236 km (146 miles) from Mingora in Pakistan, with a depth of 207 km (128 miles) 2. There were no reports of casualties or damage9. The remote region of north province of Afghanistan was also jolted due to this moder- ate earthquake as shown in Figure 8. 5a.

Figure 8. 4a: Map showing seismic hazard map of Afghanistan

Figure 8.5a: Snap showing the remote region of North Afghanistan jolted in Earthquake (M5.9) (Source: Press TV)

Northern Provinces Earthquake The Hindu-Kush region of Northern Province of Afghanistan jolted with the earthquake mag- nitude 5.2 on August 18, 2011.The earthquake occurred around 4.22 a.m. local time and the epicenter distance of earthquake was found to Figure 8.4b: Distribution of historical seismicity since 1990 till 2011. Blue dots denote deeper earthquakes, while green, yellow, and brown be over 200 km around the Hindu-Kush region dots denote shallower earthquakes. located at the depth of 55 km. There were no

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causalities reported in this earthquake. Especial- Hindu Kush Region Earthquake ly this region is highly prone to frequent earth- Other events of earthquake in highly seismic quake 10 (Figure 8.5b). Hindu-Kush region had jolted on April 19, 2011. The intensity of tremor was determined at 42 km from the capital city, Kabul. People became very panickys though aftershocks were of micro tremors, while some of those were perceptible. But relatively shallower depth (38 km) of events might have caused an appreciable shaking in the region. There were no report of causalities and damage. This earthquake was important in sense that it hit the Hindu Kush region having trans- boundary impact (Figure 8.7).

Figure 8.5b: Snap showing the affect of the Earthquake (Mw 5.2) on structure around the Hindu Kush [Source: PAN (Kabul)]

Hindu Kush Region Earthquake On August 26, 2011, an earthquake (Mw 5.4) struck Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan and its record exhibited severe shaking in most parts of areas adjacent to the Hindu Kush (Figure 8.6). The tremor took place at depth (199.10 km) at 20.32 hrs local time in the northern part of Af- ghanistan. The epicenter was found at 36.4463 degrees north latitude and 70.6950 degrees east longitude2.

Figure 8.7: Map showing the intensity of the earthquake of October 18, 2011 Hindu-Kush Earthquake Magnitude (M4.3) (Source: USGS)

Bangladesh Bangladesh is by and large seismically less ac- tive than that of its other neighbouring coun- tries of South Asia located in the vicinity of the seismically active Himalayan zone. A systematic study on earthquake in Dhaka city jointly con- ducted by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, USA and the Department Figure 8.6: Snap showing the record of August 26, 2011 earthquake (Mw 5.4) in Hindu Kush region of Geology, Dhaka University in 2004 demon-

| 73 | Introduction Earthquake

strated that the western part of the capital from ruary 24, 2011, another shaking was experienced Mirpur-Kalyanpur to Pagla along the Buriganga at 11.36 BST (local time near Bangladesh-India River and the eastern part from Uttar Khan-Bad- border region), measuring 4.3 on Richter scale. da to Demra along the Balu River fall in the high The distance of the epicenter was 106 km east- risk zone. Bangladesh continued to get shaking southeast of Bangladesh. There were no report of from perceptible earthquakes that occurred dur- any casualty in the earthquake; however it gener- ing the year 2011 in the border areas with India ated fear among the people of Bangladesh, resid- and Myanmar. Severe shakings due to the Sep- ing near the border area. tember 18, 2011 Sikkim mainshock and its after- On June 3, 2011, a tremor measuring 4.9 on shocks were felt by Bangladesh, which generated the Richter scale was felt at 6:53 BST. The epicen- a large-scale panic as a warning for its unplanned ter of the quake was 488 km off from the capital city because of the poor structures and fragility near Nepal-Sikkim (India) border region. There of the built structures or buildings. Despite the were no reports of casualties or damage in the great epicenter distance of the Dhaka city from earthquake12. On June 9, 2011, a light tremor of Sikkim mainshock, the degree of earthquake 4.5 magnitude jolted several parts of the coun- shaking was very much appreciable and per- try around 1:34 BST. The epicenter of the earth- ceptible to residents of the city12. In addition to quake was in Rajbari-Faridpur border region at a series of tremors resulted from the September 108 km west from the capital12. On June 21, 2011, 18, 2011, Bangladesh also felt about 10 tremors a tremor measuring 4 on the Richter scale had of different strengths from the surrounding seis- struck in the capital and other part of the coun- mogenic regions of Bangladesh during February trie at 10:50 BST. Its epicenter was 64 km of the 2011 – September 2011. capital somewhere near Comilla-Chandpur bor- An earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Rich- der region. There were no reports of damages or ter scale had struck the country at 7: 47 hrs local casualties12. On June 24, 2011, mild earthquake time on February 4, 2011 .The epicenter of earth- measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale had jolted quake was located at Myanmar-India border at the several parts of the country at 6:39 BST. The the distance of about 402 km east-northeast of epicenter of the earthquake was in Tripura of Dhaka. The hypocenter was 70 km deep because India and 133 km east of Dhaka11, 12. On July 10, of which the tremor had much lesser shaking. 2011, a tremor measuring 4.8 on the Richter There were no report of causalities and dam- scale had struck in several parts of the country age12. Another earthquake occurred on Febru- at 6:40 BST. There was no report of any casualty ary 12, 2011 felt in several parts of the countries, or damage12. An earthquake again jolted in capi- the tremor that had measured 4.3 on the Richter tal and its adjoining areas on July 22, 2011.The scale began at 4:25 p.m. and lasted about 15 sec- tremor had measured M 4.1 on the Richter scale onds. The epicenter was 96 km south-east of the and the epicenter of earthquake was found to capital somewhere near the Comilla-Tripura bor- have located in the north-east of Bangladesh12. der. It was also felt in the Sylhet region including People felt more panic with simultaneous earth- Habibganj, Moulvibazar and Sunamganj. No ca- quake event within this month which had stuck sualty or loss of property was reported. On Feb- in different areas of Rajshahi and Rangpur di-

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visions at 11.50 BST on July 28, 2011. An earth- Bhutan quake of magnitude 4.1 on Richter scale and Owing to complex geotectonic settings of epicenter at found Naogaon region occurred in Bhutan, besides its location in the courtyard of the Bangladesh12. All these smaller tremors felt in mighty Himalayan zone, the country has become Bangladesh during the year 2011 had sufficient- one of the seismically most prone countries of the ly generated fear among people of the country world. The year 2011 was found to be seismically a due to frequent shakings, even if there were no quiet year in sense of generation of the damaging reports of damages of property and causalities earthquake within its own territory. However, a pow- in Bangladesh. erful tremor rocked western Bhutan on September 18, 2011 due to the Sikkim earthquake (Mw 6.9)2 Impact of Sikkim Earthquake in Bangladesh in the vicinity of Bhutan (Figure 8.8a). During the strong shaking in Bhutan a Partial collapse of the communication system was observed (Figure 8.8b).

Figure 8.8b: Evening shock: People run out of their buildings and gather Figure 8.8a: Map showing epicenter location of the September 18 on the streets as a 6.8 magnitude earthquake sends a wave of panic Sikkim earthquake (Mw 6.9) across the capital and elsewhere in the country (Source: The Daily Star, BSS, Dhaka On September 18, 2011 the Sikkim earth- The quake’s epicentre was located at a dis- quake (Mw 6.9) occurred in the northern part of tance of 64 km from Gangtok, Sikkim, India, the the Sikkim about 495 km away from the north- tremors of which were also appreciably felt in west of Dhaka city at about 20 km depth (Figure Thimphu. Cracks to buildings were reported in 8.8a). It was the strongest tremor to have hit the some parts of the country. In Thimphu, the re- region in the last six decades. The tremor had dam- ferral hospital’s emergency ward received three aged a number of buildings and structures in parts trauma cases, and two cases of disjointed shoul- of the country. People received a sudden evening ders of people who had fallen during the tremor. shock and started to run out of their buildings and The three women who were traumatised were generated inconsolable panic across the capital all students of the Institute of Language and Cul- city of Dhaka, Bangladesh (Figure 8.8b). There were ture Studies in Semtokha. The hostel filled with no report of causalities and much damage except screams, as things started to fall and make all few buildings showed cracks in some of structures. kinds of noises, and within seconds it was a cha- The panic-stricken people rushed out into the os as everyone started to flee the hostel. There street from house. was a report of earthquake chaos in hospitals of

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Thimphu that noticed patients scrambled to get were reported damaged by the quake. Power out of hospital, along with their drips and carry- cuts were also reported throughout the country. ing their glucose bottles. Patients were scream- Except for landline and Tashi Cell network, cel- ing and struggling to run and found that they lular services remained broken and jammed for were limping and holding on to each other with hours. Thimphu Dzong has sustained some cracks glucose bottles in their hands as reported by the in the Utse and one of the four corner towers. Oc- nurse on duty said. The hospital building in Thim- cupants were shifted out to safer parts. The Sik- phu suffered several cracks and damages. Several kim mainshock that hit Bhutan was just 90 km bottles of medicines were reported wasted due away from the epicentre and its tremors were felt to fall of glass bottles from the shelves in several strongly up to160 km from epicentre. Paro and hospitals. Haa, experienced more damage quoted by the In Paro, the Ta dzong suffered structural government official of Bhutan. A detailed study damage (Figure 8.8b), while some buildings in on damage pattern due to the Sikkim earthquake Phuentsholing town have also cracked from (Mw 6.9) in Bhutan was found to have affected the tremor. A massive landslide was reported in about 3,757 structures in 18 districts of Bhutan14. Phuentsholing that buried a car, which was on 990 structures damaged in Chukha. its way to the hospital. The driver managed to es- Such scenario reflects the public panic in cape. In Dagana, the quake had damaged Phun- Bhutan due to the September 18, 2011 Sikkim – sum community primary school in Lajab gewog. Nepal earthquake (Mw 6.9) even by trans-bound- About nine houses in three gewogs of Samtse ary earthquake. Failure of connectivity in such a disastrous moment in itself is a grave disaster as quoted by the disaster officials of the Royal gov- ernment of Bhutan13. The Prime Minister, Jigmi Y Thinley requested the people of Bhutan to re- main calm and alert.

India During the year 2011, about 27 weak to strong magnitude earthquakes, including a strong mag- nitude Sikkim earthquake occurred in India. Only Sikkim earthquake was found to be disastrous earthquake that caused sufficient losses of both property and person in India, Nepal and sur- rounding region of Bhutan. Some of the widely felt Indian and its border regional earthquakes are discussed below:

Figure 8.9b: Snap showing partial damage of the a Paro - Ta Dzong wall during the September 18, 2011 Sikkim earthquake Delhi Earthquake (Mw 6.9) (Source:Kuensel Newspaper An earthquake (Mw 7.4) rocked south-west-

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ern Pakistan and its shaking was so severe that properties in earthquke10. A tremor, measuring people of north-western part of India, including 3.1 on the Richter scale, jolted Sangli district of the national capital, New Delhi also felt the trem- Maharashtra on February 2, 2011 at 6:20 hours or (Figure 8.10). The India Meteorological Depart- local time. The epicenter was located about ment had recorded the epicentre of the earth- 14 km away from Sangli in Waranawati area, quake in south-western Pakistan that falls in the no damage or casualty was reported in desert area bordering Iran and Afghanistan. The earthquake 18, 19, 20. Shaking due to an earthquake quake was located at 28.9 degrees north on the (M 6.4) was felt in different parts of the north- latitude and 64 degrees east on the longitude east and West Bengal provinces of India on Feb- but according to US Geological Service report, ruary 4, 2011. The Epicentre of the earthquake the epicentre of the earthquake was located 45 was located at Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur. km from Dalbandin in Southwest Pakistan2. It It was about 30 km below the earth surface and was reported that the focal depth of the earth- was strongly felt in Assam5. The tremor was also quake was 84 km. There was no immediate re- felt in Meghalaya, Manipur and parts of Mizoram, port of any loss of life or property14, 15. West Bengal and Nagaland. There were no report of causality and damage19, 20. The Chamoli and Ru- draprayag districts of Uttarakhand of India were shaken by a low-intensity earthquake (M 3.3) on February 14, 201119,20,21, and it rekindled the worst memory of the 1999 Chamoli earthquake (M 6.3) that caused a severe loss to both property and person in the area. An earthquake (M 5.8) had struck in Kashmir valley on March 21, 2011. The epicentre was located in the Hindu Kush Moun- tain range in Afghanistan19,20,21, which is the site of intense seismicity that have affect in the adjoining Figure 8.10: An earthquake of 7.4 magnitudes had struck south-western Pakistan felt in New Delhi (Source: USGS2; IMD) regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. This earthquake created panic among the people of Micro to Moderate Tremors in India Kashmir and its surrounding region of J & K, India. Several micro to moderate earthquake trem- The national capital region of India felt shaking ors were felt in India during the year 2011. A 3.2 due to earthquake (M 5.7) on April 5, 2011. Tremor magnitude earthquake hit the Haryana-Uttar was felt in New Delhi and adjoining Noida, Ghazi- Pradesh border at 8.37 a.m. on January 26, 2011. abad and Gurgaon. The epicenter was located in There was no report available to suggest any the Indo-Nepal border region. No report of any casualty or damage18 due to this micro-tremor. damage was received from the area20. April 25, An earthquake of magnitude 2.3 occurred in 2011, witnessed an earthquake (M 5.0) in the Jam- Bhachau on January 30, 2011 at 4.54 a.m., which mu-Kashmir of India of which the epicentre was was located about 22 km away from Gandhi located in Pakistan (Figure 8.11a). The earthquake Nagar. There were no reports of loss of life and was of mild intensity with coordinates measur-

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ing 36.230N and 72.170E. There were no report of damage and loss of life 14, 19, 20.

Figure 8.11b: Snap showing panic-stricken people out of their homes because of the Sonepat earthquake (M 4.2)

Figure 8.11a: An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale There were no reports of any casualty. A report occurred in Jammu and Kashmir on April 25, 2011. from Chandigarh said that tremors were felt The Kashmir valley was rocked again by low in Panipat, Faridabad, Gurgaon among others magnitude earthquake (M 4.4) on May 30, 2011. towns of Haryana. An earthquake (M 4.8) rocked The epicentre was also located in Pakistan with Bhuj and surrounding areas of the Kutch district coordinates of 32.070N of latitude and 70.110E on the September 12, 2012 and it had generated of longitude. There was no report of any damage severe panic among residents in the radius of 50 due to the quake15. Punjab–Haryana earthquake km of the region. (M 4.6) on June 20, 2011 had generated signifi- The detailed of the September 18, 2011 Sik- cant amount of tremor that was felt in different kim earthquake (Mw 6.9) is described in a sepa- parts of Panjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. The rate section because of its wide-scale damaging epicentre was located in Uttarakhand near the report from India, Bhutan and Nepal. Chamoli region. There were no report of any loss of life and property18, 19; moreover, it generated Sikkim Earthquake severe panic among the people of these Indian As mentioned above, the occurrence of Sep- provinces. tember 18, 2011 Sikkim–Nepal earthquake (Mw It was reported that a quake of medium in- 6.9) reflects that it is one of the best examples of tensity jolted Delhi and its adjoining satellite trans-boundary earthquake that affected almost towns on September 8, 201116 at about 11:28 all border regions of Himalaya, which includes, IST that pulled panic-stricken people out of their India, Nepal, Bhutan and a part of Bangladesh. homes as shown in Figure 8.11b. The event, which comes under the category of The tremor was reported to have occurred, "moderate earthquake” was strongly felt in Sik- measuring 4.2 on Richter Scale with Haryana's kim, Assam, Meghalaya, northern parts of West Sonepat as epicentre, were felt across Delhi and Bengal, Bihar, parts of other eastern and northern its adjoining satellite towns of Ghaziabad and regions of India. As mentioned above, it was also Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Gurgaon in Haryana. well felt in Bangladesh. The jolt was severe in the The tremors were felt for less than ten seconds. Sikkim State of India (Figure 8.12).

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Figure 8.12: Snap showing the extent of earthquake shaking felt at different locations

The epicenter was located in a seismically known and active belt called, Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt. The earthquake rocked at 12:40:48 Figure 8.13a: A map showing epicenter of September 18 Sikkim–Nepal UTC and recorded by several seismological agen- earthquake (Mw 6.9) cies in the world (USGS) 2 and India Meteorologi- Table 8. 4: Detail of Sikkim earthquake of September 18, 2011 5 cal Department (IMD) . The quake was also re- (Source: USGS2, IMD) corded by all the seismological observatories of Magnitude 6.9 21 Geological Survey of India . The earthquake is a Date-Time Sunday, September 18, 2011 at shallow focus (depth 19.7 km; USGS) of magni- 06:10:48 PM at epicenter (Local Time) tude 6.9 Mw (USGS) having its epicenter near the Location 27.723°N, 88.064°E India-Nepal border (latitude : 27.73°N ; longitude: Depth 19.7 km (12.2 miles) 88.08°E) and situated 68 km north-west of Gang- Region Sikkim, India tok, Sikkim, India (Figure 8.13a). To locate the Sik- Distances 68 Km (42 Miles) NW of Gangtok, kim earthquake, precisely for better estimates, Sikkim, India 119 Km (73 Miles) NNW of Shiliguri, seismological parameters were a great challenge West Bengal, India for seismological agencies because of fewer 272 Km (169 Miles) E of Kathmandu, numbers of seismological observatories ascribed Nepal 572 Km (355 Miles) N of Kolkata (Cal- to different organisations of India and abroad. cutta), West Bengal, India The preliminary hypo-central parameters of this 21 earthquake estimated by the Seismic Monitor- Table 8.5: Earthquake Location Parameters by GSI ing Network of India Meteorological Department (IMD) are given in Table 8.4. It was important because correct estimates of seismological parameters could provide con- spicuous information on strength of shaking due to earthquake. This endeavor also shed light on nature and extent of damage pattern in the epi- centre area. Estimates of these parameters made by regional and global agencies were corroborat- The recorded seismograms by three (Ad- ed with local and national agencies to ascertain ampool, Agartala and Nagpur) seismic observa- the authenticity of the estimates. tories of Geological Survey of India (GSI) 21 had

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conspicuously provided preliminary estimate 4 mm/yr (≈ 0.15 in/yr). In the Eastern Himalayan of the earthquake location parameters (lati- Region, the Indian plate converges into Tibetan tude, longitude, depth and origin time) by geo- plate at a rate of approximately 50 mm / yr. Initial physicists / seismologists of Geo-seismology analysis suggests the earthquake was complex, Division, Geological Survey of India. The three likely a result of two events occurring close to- station method was used to get the observed gether in time at depths of approximately 20 km travel time between the recorded station and the beneath the earth’s surface. At the latitude of the earthquake, while a robust 1-D velocity model of September 18 earthquake, the India plate con- Mishra et al. (2010)22 was considered to estimate verges with Eurasia at a rate of approximately 46 the theoretical travel time estimate and requi- mm/yr towards the north-northeast. The broad site parameters of the 2011 Sikkim earthquake convergence between these two plates has re- as shown in Table 8.5. Earthquake parameters es- sulted in the uplift of the Himalayas, the world’s timated by GSI (Table 8.5) was found to be very tallest mountain range. The preliminary focal much closer to the estimates made by USGS and mechanism of the earthquake suggests strike IMD (Table 8.4). The magnitude of the mainshock slip faulting, and thus an intraplate source within is found to be 6.9 ML and the focal depth is 18.2 the upper Eurasian plate or the underlying India km. The latitude and longitude of the epicentre plate, rather than occurring on the thrust inter- of the mainshock are found to be 27.7770 N and face plate boundary between the two. 88.0380 E respectively. The occurrence of earthquakes in the region is broadly associated with the tectonic activity Seismotectonic Scenario of the Sikkim-Nepal along well known faults in the Himalayas, namely, Earthquake Source Zone Main Boundary Thrust (MBT), Main Central Thrust The Sikkim and adjoining region is known (MCT). Other prominent geological / tectonic fea- to be the part of the seismically active region of tures in and around Sikkim include: Tista linea- the 'Alpine-Himalayan global seismic belt', where ment, Kunchenjunga lineament, Purnea-Everest four great earthquakes (M ≥8.0) occurred in the lineament, Arun lineament and Dhubri fault in region. The September 18 Sikkim earthquake the southeast. According to scientific Experts, the occurred near the boundary between the India entire area of Sikkim lies in Zone IV. The seismic and Eurasia plates, in the mountainous region of Zone IV is broadly associated with seismic inten- northeast India near the Nepal border. The colli- sity VIII on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) sion with the Eurasian Plate along the boundary scale. between India and Nepal formed the orogenic Table 8.6: Significant aftershocks and their magnitudes recorded in belt that created the Tibetan Plateau and the Hi- September 2011 malaya Mountains, as sediment bunched up like Date Time Lat Long Mag- earth before a plow. The Indian Plate is currently (UTC) (deg. N) (deg. E) nitude moving northeast at 5 cm/yr (≈ 2 in/yr), while the 18/09/2011 13:11:59 27.6°N 88.5°E 5.0 Eurasian Plate is moving north at only 2 cm/yr (≈ 18/09/2011 13:54:17 27.5°N 88.4°E 4.5 0.8 in/yr). This is causing the Eurasian Plate to de- 18/09/2011 21:51:52 27.6°N 88.4°E 4.2 form and the India Plate to compress at a rate of 22/09/2011 16:44:43 27.6°N 88.4°E 3.9

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The magnitude and frequency of aftershocks caused intensity VIII damaging Sikkim-Himala- has shown decreasing trend of aftershocks with ya, the 1897 Shillong earthquake of magnitude the lapse of time as shown in Table 8.6. 8.7 to the southeast and 1950 Assam earth- This region experienced relatively moder- quake of magnitude 8.7 to the east of Sikkim. ate seismicity in the past, with 18 earthquakes Geological Survey of India has already an- of M 5 or greater over the past 35 years within ticipated that Sikkim Himalayan region is vul- 100 km of the epicenter of the September 18 nerable to future strong to great earthquakes event. The largest of these was a M 6.1 earth- as it is due for the same for years. That was why quake in November of 1980, 75 km to the Geo-Seismology Division, CGD, GSI (CHQ) had south-east. Seismological research revealed conducted extensive seismological monitor- that the Sikkim–Darjeeling Himalayan region ing of entire Sikkim – Darjeeling Himalaya by has not experienced large earthquakes for installing sophisticated Seismographs in a well more than 200 years, although the Indian plate defined network in the region since the year has been subducting (going underneath) un- 2007 to generate dynamic snapshots of the der the Eurasian plate at about 2 to 5 cm per Sikkim – Darjeeling Himalayan region22. The re- year, accumulating slip potential of about 4 m. sults envisaged the vulnerability of the region Seismologists have demarcated a gap zone to earthquakes in the culminated zone where for earthquakes where no great earthquake MCT got buckled and assumed omega shaped so far occurred despite being prone to a great structure, indicating that the zone is more vul- earthquake of magnitude 8 (Mishra, 2011)23. nerable to earthquakes of different strengths. The occurrence of the September 18, 2011 Sik- It is spectacular to note that the 18th Septem- kim earthquake (Mw 6.9) created severe panic ber 2011 Sikkim earthquake (ML 6.9) occurred among the residents of north-east and north near the intersection of the Kanchanjunga and India. It was reported that more than 100 peo- Tista Lineaments, which clearly falls in the zone ple were died so far due to this earthquake. The which was earlier demarcated zone of seismicity major tectonic features traversing the Sikkim- by GSI team. Himalaya are the well defined Main Bound- ary Thrust (MBT) and circular overturned Main Damage Scenario of the Sikkim Earthquake Central Thrust (MCT) to the north. The Sikkim- The seismic hazard in Sikkim region is con- Himalaya lying between Nepal and Bhutan Hi- centrated due to the presence of sedimentary malaya falls in the eastern sector of the Hima- rocks and loose soil in the region. It is reported layan arc. The Sikkim region is surrounded by that the present earthquake of magnitude 6.9 several damaging earthquakes of the past al- is the biggest earthquake in Sikkim so far. The though it has not experienced so far an earth- earthquake tremors associated with heavy quake of magnitude 8. The region has only rainfall caused rock fall/landslides in parts of experienced moderate seismicity in the past. Sikkim. Roads also reportedly cracked in sev- The most significant earthquake that occurred eral places and people ran out on the streets in its neighbourhood is the 1934 Bihar-Nepal in fear. There were a lot damages to buildings, earthquake of magnitude 8.4 to the west that property and floras reported from Sikkim (Fig-

| 81 | Introduction Earthquake

ures 8.14a & b). The affected area was blocked due to landslides and water logging. Schools and hospitals were reported to have been damaged significantly during strong shaking in Sikkim. Table 8.6 describes the loss of lives, damage of property and casualties in India and its border regions of Nepal and Bhutan. The damage statistics for different parts of Sik- kim and its adjoining areas are shown in Table 8.7. The shaking was so serious that it was ap- preciably felt by most parts of north India Figure 8.13b: Snap showing spread of earthquake shaking in different (Figure 8 .13b). parts of India

Table 8.6: Casualties and damages due to Sikkim–Nepal Earthquake

S.N. Affected Deaths Injured Population Population Health Schools Homes countries Cases Displaced Affected Facilities 1. India 112 > 300 30 285 17,679 2. Nepal 6 159 7,000 12,000 64 498 10,677 3. Bhutan 15 4 36 20 Full 324 Partial Total 133

Source- WHO, National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC)

Table 8.7: Showing causalities and damages in India on updated 9/11/2011

S. No. District No. of houses damaged No. of schools damaged No. of hospitals damaged 1 North 6000 NR 07 FD 2 South 820 21 -FD NR 3 East 6000 - FD 9000 – PD 201 - FD 23 FD 4 West 1679 –FD 64- FD NR TOTAL 14499 - FD 9000 – PD 286 - FD 30-FD

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Source:WHO, http://earthquake-report.com/2011/09/18/very-strong-earthquake-in-sikkim-india/

Figure 8.14a: Snaps showing damage scenario of September 18, 2011 earthquake (M 6.9)

Figure 8.14b: Snaps showing damage scenario of the earthquake (M 6.9)

Nepal ferent seismological agencies was 45, which was Nepal is seismically very active because of it in- about 2.5 times more than those recorded in the tricate seismotectonic settings located in the preceding year 2010 (Table 8.3a, Figure 8.3b). main segment of the Himalayan range. Active Among those recorded earthquakes during 2011, seismotectonic setting of Nepal is supported the most disastrous earthquake recorded in Ne- by a series of occurrences of micro to moderate pal was the September 18, 2011 Sikkim–Nepal earthquakes in Nepal and its vicinity. In 2011, a earthquake (M 6.9), whose epicentre was located total perceptible earthquakes recorded by dif- in the northern Sikkim.

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The earthquake affected 15 eastern districts such as VDC offices, community buildings, elec- of Nepal, as well as the capital of Kathmandu in tricity stations reported to be destroyed with a the Central Region. The affected districts included further 204 buildings partially damaged. In 13 dis- 15 districts in the eastern region, three districts in tricts of Nepal, schools are reported to be either the Kathmandu valley and the remainder in cen- completely destroyed or partially damaged. tral and western Nepal (Figure 8.15). The tremor Other micro to moderate earthquakes of was felt across 26 districts of Nepal. It was report- Nepal occurred during the year 2011 were not ed that over 4000 families were displaced from so powerful (Appendix VC) to bring the damage the border areas of Nepal. About 3917 houses/ to property and person in the region because buildings were completely destroyed and 5966 of their lesser strengths originated from the partially damaged. About 130 schools were com- deeper layers. The frequent shaking in Nepal due pletely destroyed, while 550 were partially dam- to moderate earthquakes however generated aged. Similarly, 26 health facilities had completely enough panic among people of the area to sense destroyed and 38 partially damaged. It was also fear for anticipated bigger earthquakes in the re- reported that about 63 Government buildings gion after the perceptible shaking.

Figure 8.15: Map showing earthquake affected districts of Nepal during September 18, 2011 Sikkim–Nepal earthquake (M 6.9)

Pakistan a series of hidden and exposed seismogenic Pakistan is located in the vicinity of highly seis- faults in the region. The past damaging earth- mically active zones of the world, such as the quakes ; such as the 1930 Quetta earthquake Himalayan and its adjoining regions associ- and the 2005 Muzzafrabad earthquake brought ated with the several sets of active seismogenic catastrophic damages to both property an lives faults, like the Chaman-Heart seismic belt; Indo- in Pakistan. The year 2011 is found to be rela- Kohistan seismic belt; Hindu Kush – Pamir seis- tively calm and seismically less damaging for mic knot; and the border area with Iran having Pakistan during which a total of 13 moderate

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to strong earthquakes reported to have rocked felt in Peshawar area of Pakistan. There were no the country with two people killed in Pakistan reports of damages, and loss of property17. The (Table 8.3a & b). Pakistan - Afghanistan border experienced an earthquake of magnitude 4.7 on the Richter scale Micro to Strong Earthquakes of Pakistan on January 7, 2011 with its epicentre located at The Hindu-Kush region experienced an earth- 30 km east of Khuzdar in Balochistan province16, quake measuring 4.8 Richter scale on January 1, which brought residents out of their houses be- 2011 at 11.23 a.m.16 that generated a several panic cause of severe panic due to shaking in the area. among residents of Pakistan. An earthquake mea- suring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck the north- Pakistan Earthquake western parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the A devastating earthquake (M 7.2) was re- January 2, 2011 with its epicentre located in the ported that rocked Pakistan on January 18, 2011. Hindu Kush, a border area with Afghanistan. The The earthquake parameters are described in the tremor was very much appreciable and it was also Table 8.8 and Figure 8.17.

Table 8.8: Earthquake parameters of January 18, 2011 Pakistan earthquake (M 7.2)

Magnitude 7.2 • Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 20:23:23 UTC Date-Time • Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 01:23:23 AM at epicenter • Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones Location 28.732°N, 63.928°E Depth 68 km (42.3 miles) set by location programme Region South-western Pakistan 50 km (30 miles) WSW of Dalbandin, Pakistan 260 km (160 miles) W of Kalat, Distances Pakistan 310 km (190 miles) ESE of Zahedan, Iran 1035 km (640 miles) WSW of Islamabad, Pakistan

Its epicentre was in a remote area located including some parts of the middle-east coun- about 320 km (200 miles) south-west of the tries of the world. Tremors were also felt as far Baluchistan capital Quetta, near the Afghan bor- away as Dubai and New Delhi. Local TV of Paki- der. Two woman patients were reported died stan reported that the quake was felt through- from heart attacks and 200 mud houses were out Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan provinces in damaged in Balochistan. In Dalbandin, several Pakistan, as well as in parts of Iran and India 25, 26. people were injured when the roofs of their Many people in the country's largest city, Kara- houses collapsed (Figure 8.18). The shaking of chi, rushed out into the streets in panic after the the earthquake was very strong and was felt in quake. Most of the mud-wall houses were dam- different parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan and India, aged in and on the outskirts of Dalbandin town.

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Figure 8.17: Maps showing earthquake locations and intensity map of January 18, 2011 Pakistan earthquake (M 7.2).

Villages of Killi Qasim Khan, Killi Khuda Bakhsh, This major earthquake occurred as a re- Killi Baz Mohammad, Killi Daudabad, Chater and sult of normal faulting within the lithosphere Yakmach were affected. A number of govern- of the subducted Arabian plate. The present- ment offices were also damaged. Many people day tectonic environment of Pakistan is de- did not want to return to their damaged homes termined by the motions of the Arabian and because of fears of aftershocks. Some houses in Indian plates north-northeast with respect to Kalat and Surab were also damaged. As men- the Eurasian plate at velocities of 40 mm/y at tioned above people of Quetta, Pakistan were the longitude of this earthquake. Arabian-plate aware of the devastation caused by the 1935 lithosphere is subducted beneath the Eur- earthquake in the area hence they spent the en- asia plate at the Makran coast of Pakistan and tire night outside their homes in freezing minus- Iran, and becomes progressively deeper to the seven degree cold25. north. The subducted Arabian plate is known

Figure 8.18: Snaps showing damage scenario of Dalbandin due to Pakistan earthquake (M 7.2).

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to be seismically active to depths of about ed areas. 160 km. The frequency of moderate and large The Government of India’s response was earthquakes within the subducted Arabian very fast and comprehensive. According to the plate is not high compared with the frequency report available from the Ministry of Home Af- of such events in some other subducted plates fairs, massive relief and rescue operations were worldwide, but several earthquakes have oc- carried out in the quake-affected areas of Sik- curred within this slab in the region of this kim, Bihar and West Bengal. It was reported that event over the past 30 years, including a mag- about 5,000 army personnel, 700 ITBP person- nitude 6.7 shock two hundred kilometers to nel helped in relief and rescue operations. More the south-west in 1983. than 3,000 people had been rescued by armed forces from quake-ravaged areas of Sikkim. Sev- Relief and Response operation by South enteen helicopters had been also deployed by Asian Governments during 2011 Earthquakes India Air Force (IAF) with rescue teams and relief It is a proven fact that earthquake is most supplies to affected areas immediately. The ar- uncertain natural calamity that can strike any- rangement for airdropping of food packets was where at any point of time that may cause un- being carried out by the management of the expected damage to property, person, flora State Govt. of West Bengal. The central govern- and faunas in the region as witnessed dur- ment of India also deployed rescue team for all ing the damaging September 18, 2011 Sik- four districts of Sikkim to assess damage, medi- kim–Nepal earthquake (M 6.9). As mentioned cal aid, supply of drinking water and essential above that the September 18, 2011 earthquake commodities. The Government of India sanc- was a trans-boundary earthquake, which af- tioned an ex-gratia of Rs. two lakh each from fected India, Bhutan, and Nepal due to strong the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to each shaking, besides spread of severe panic deceased person and Rs. one lakh each to those among the people of Bangladesh, residing in seriously injured in the earthquake. During res- the border areas of NE India. The January 18, cue operation five teams of NDRF had been de- 2011 Pakistan earthquake (M 7.2) was found ployed for search and rescue operations at Ship- to be panic-stricken one in several parts of gyar, Biha and Bringbang Ramam, Lingzya and Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Iran that caused Dzongu villages in Mangan. About 10 teams of considerable damage to buildings and struc- NDRF consisting of 419 personnel along with tures due to appreciable shaking. Governments necessary search and rescue equipment were of the affected countries of South Asia (India, deployed very first day in Sikkim. Teams sta- Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan) took prompt and tioned at Lachung and Chungthang area of Sik- comprehensive measures to deal with earth- kim were involved in carrying out rescue and quake disasters by deploying their rescue mis- relief operations besides repairing of damaged sions and disaster response forces to normalise roads and bridges in the affected areas of West the situation through proper arrangements of Bengal, Bihar and Sikkim states of India as shown relief, reconstruction, rehabilitation measures in Figure 8.19a & b and Figure 8.20a & b. A medi- during and after earthquakes that rocked affect- cal team comprising 19 doctors (surgeon – four,

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orthopedician – six, anaesthesian – five, neuro- the army and ITBP (Pegong) camps, which had surgeon – two, and medicine – two) deployed provided shelter to 2700 and 550 affected peo- by the Ministry of Health, continued to provide ple. Five psycho-social care experts from NIM- medical help. About 85 relief camps were set up HANS were also deployed in Sikkim by the Min- by the provincial government of Sikkim, besides istry of Health, Government of India.

a b Figure 8.19: (a) Snap showing the role of the army personnel in repairing the network cables at the border of Sikkim and West Bengal on Monday; and (b) Snap showing the role of ITBP officials in supervising the damaged roads due to high intensive tremor in North Sikkim on Monday.

a b Figure 8.20: (a) Snap showing rescue operation by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) of India; and (b) Snap showing rescue operation by NDRF involving local community during the Sikkim earthquake (M 6.9).

The Indo-Tibetian Border Police (ITBP) had pre- of the devastating quake. Over 800 ITBP person- pared disaster management stores, comprising tents nel were undertaking relief and rescue operations and blankets, for immediate airlifting to quake-hit in the aftermath of the earthquake. In Sikkim, the Sikkim. The support materials which were used for Border Roads Organisation succeeded in reopen- the victims were lifted from an airbase in New Del- ing the road leading to the most sought after tour- hi and were sent to the regional response centre in ists spots of Chhangu and Nathula in East district Gangtok, which had been created in the aftermath of Sikkim.

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The worst affected provincial states of India dry food packets and relief materials to the ma- during September 18, 2011 earthquake were Sik- rooned people of the state. The state government kim, West Bengal and Bihar. Affected areas of pro- had taken all possible steps to rescue stranded vincial (Sikkim, West Bengal and Bihar) territory of tourists in Sikkim. The West Bengal government India worked in close coordination for effective had announced two lakh rupees compensation to rescue, relief and restoration operation after the the next of kin of the dead and 50,000 rupees to earthquake and these states also coordinated with the injured in quake related incidents. the Government of India in implementing their In Bihar, the death toll in the quake related own rescue and restoration plans for quick recov- incident was reported to about 20. Districts of ery of the affected areas due to the earthquake. In Bihar where people succumbed to their injuries order to express solidarity with Sikkim, the victim were Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur, Begu- state, other provincial states of India generously sarai, Araria and Sitamarhi. Maximum numbers supported in terms of materials and money28 to of six casualties were reported from Darbhanga hasten its rescue – relief and restoration operation. district of the state. Relief and rescue operations Prime Minister of India had given a financial assis- were in full swing in earthquake affected areas tance of Rs. 1000 crore for the earthquake affected of Bihar state of India. The Government of Bihar people in Sikkim28. As mentioned above, Border reviewed the situation with officials of Disas- Road Orgainisations helped in strengthening the ter Management Department and instructed basic infrastructure of the State did not take any the district authorities to provide all possible support from external or international agencies help to the victims. The state government an- during its rescue, relief, and restoration operation. nounced an ex gratia payment of Rs. one lakh In West Bengal state of India, death toll fifty thousand to the kin of those killed inthe in the quake related incidents had gone up to 12. earthquake. According to a State Disaster De- Relief and restoration works were on in worst hit partment, 10 injured persons were admitted to Kurseong, Kalimpong sub-division in Darjeeling local hospitals. AIR Patna correspondent report- hill and other parts of north Bengal. The provincial ed that most of the people died in stampede government of West Bengal reviewed the situa- and house collapse that followed the tremors. tion at a high level meeting in the tremor ravaged Several bodies were recovered from the debris Kurseong. The West Bengal Government had sent of collapsed houses as shown in Figure 8.21.

a b

Figure 8: 21a &b: Snaps showing collapsed houses during Sikkim-Nepal earthquake

| 89 | Introduction Earthquake

Nepal Government showed very quick re- Relief Committees to facilitate the response ef- sponse during earthquake relief operation in its forts at the district level. Several clusters such as affected areas. Ministry of Home Affairs, Govern- education, health, nutrition and protection held ment of Nepal took all plausible measures to deal cluster meetings at the national level during the with earthquake disasters in the border areas earthquake chaos. DDRC coordination meetings with India29. It deployed a trained battalion of its were organised in the affected districts to ensure Military Response force during the earthquake. an effective relief operation at the district level The Central Natural Disaster Relief Committee and stakeholders meetings and media briefings (CNDRC) took immediate measure to identify are being held regularly by MoHA. Government the needs of shelter and food for the displaced. of Nepal involved international agencies in post It provided kitchen utensils and tarpaulins and disaster loss assessment work during rescue, re- free medical services to the all injured people. lief and restoration operation due to the Sikkim– The government of Nepal provided NPR 100,000 Nepal earthquake. to families of the deceased, while NPR 5,000 was In Nepal, International organisations, like provided to displaced families whose house was UNICEF, Save the Children, Plan Nepal, LWF, UMN destroyed by the district teams during the as- and Department of Education and UNFCO Bi- sessments for immediate relief, besides addition- ratnagar had been engaged in the assessment al support from the Central government of Nepal work in different districts. In support of the Gov- of NPR 20,000 per family depending on their situ- ernment's relief efforts, partners including UN ation. A total cash support of NPR 25,000 to fami- agencies, NGOs and Red Cross Movement con- lies was given by the Nepal Government whose ducted assessments from their bases in Birat- house had been destroyed, while NPR 125,000 nagar in the eastern region, and inter-cluster was given to the family whose family member coordination meetings were organized by the died. Estimated losses and damages were re- humanitarian community both at the national ported, as of September 26, as NPR 74,997,930 and regional levels. Internatonal Fedration of (US$ 999,972). The Government of Nepal had Redcross had delivered immediate assistance taken initiative for better coordination between to some 5,000 beneficiaries with Disaster Relief government and international organisations pro- Emergency Fund (DREF) and it supplied relief in- viding immediate response to displaced people. cluding 1,000 pieces of blankets, 400 extendable National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) tents and 200 arctic tents in affected areas. It was was involved in collecting information from the also reported that IFRC coordinated with partner respective DDRCs (mainly from security forces agency and government on relief operation due and other local agencies) and then DDRCs coor- to access to the affected areas. In response to the dinated with all affected VDCs (police posts, llaka quake, ADRA also helped families rebuild their offices and others) to obtain detailed informa- lives through participating in the construction of tion. Such coordination with other government earthquake-resistant shelters, and supplying ur- departments helped the government in prepar- gently needed hygiene kits30. ing a feasible recovery programme for displaced Pakistan Government organised an emer- people. The Government led District Disaster gency meeting with the chairman of the Nation-

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al Disaster Management Authority of Pakistan to minimise earthquake risks. It is a proven fact in Islamabad soon after the earthquake (M 7.2) that the prediction of earthquake is not possible rocked its Balochistan province on January 18, with the present state of knowledge of Science 2011. Necessary instruction was given to arrange and technology because of complex processes in- relief goods for affected areas of Balochistan volved in earthquake genesis. Scientific commu- to meet any emergency arisen due to January nity of the world has been involved in earthquake 18 Pakistan earthquake (M 7.2). NDMA took im- precursory studies since years using multi-disci- mediate step to arrange necessary relief goods, plinary science to understand how earthquake including food, tents, medicines and blankets generates and what cause the earthquake at vary- that rushed to affected areas through two C-130 ing depths of different strengths. According to aircraft of PAF. The Pakistan Air Force and Army earth scientist of Ministry of State for Earth Scienc- were on high alert and two air missions were es, a better warning mechanism for earthquakes is involved in assessment of needs in quake-hit ar- in process of development in India. Prof. (Dr.) Harsh eas. In addition, Bell and MI-17 helicopters of the Gupta, a globally renowned Earth Scientist and Pakistan Army and a Cessna aircraft were kept in Seismologist, presently Member, National Disaster Quetta with three medical teams to be deployed Management Authority (NDMA), India, addressed on short notice. The provincial government of news media of South Asia and he informed about Balochistan directed its Provincial Disaster Man- unique procedure of earthquake precursory study agement Authority to immediately dispatch re- that may lead to development of earthquake lief goods for the affected people in Dalbandin, warning system in future for the region28. The pro- where all deputy commissioners of Balochistan cedure is based on extensive study of crustal struc- were involved in conducting a survey to assess ture through several sets of drilled boreholes up losses caused by the quake. Government of Paki- to a depth of about 8 km each in the quake-prone stan did not seek any sort of external assistance Koyna region of Maharashtra, India to understand during relief operation in Balochistan. the changes that occur underground when an earthquake strikes. The Government of India had Earthquake Predictability and Initiatives of already signed a Memorandum of Understanding SAARC Disaster Management Centre with the International Continental Drilling Pro- The year 2011 was the year of earthquake di- gramme in this regard. The entire project expected saster that caused huge losses of lives and prop- to cost about Rs. 300-400 crore. It has been report- erty on March 11, 2011 Tohoku, Japan earthquake ed that the initiative launched by the government (Mw 9.0) and on September 18, 2011 Sikkim–Nepal would provide the scientists an opportunity to earthquake (Mw 6.9). People suffered a lot and fell study the earthquakes more closely in real-time28. into great traumas due to irreparable losses due to SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC) earthquakes. Victims of earthquakes questioned to is one of the regional Centres of South Asia As- earthquake experts why the earthquake was not sociation for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) that predictable, when it would become predictable deals with disaster management of all kinds of so that earthquake hazards can be mitigated to natural disasters by providing extensive policy and the greater extent by adopting plausible measures planning advise to the respective government of

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SAARC Member States through organising various On approval of Governing Board of SAARC activities, such as capacity building programmes, Disaster Management Centre, SDMC organised a documentations, workshops, seminars, expert a successful comprehensive SAARC training pro- group meetings, dissemination of disaster related gramme on “Earthquake Risk Mitigation” in col- information and best practices among member laboration with Indian Institute of Technology, States since its inception. Roorkee, India during June 6-17, 2011 at Roorkee.

Figure 8.22: Photograph showing group of trainees during June 2011.

The principal purpose is to pertain a spe- ing rapid visual assessment of structural and cialised technical training among the profes- non-structural measures techniques of Prof. A. sionals of SAARC Member States so that the S. Arya, which has now been extended to the trained personnel can be trainers of trainees. safety of schools and hospitals in multi-disaster There are extensive programmes for adoption conditions31. of earthquake resistant structures and build- ings for minimising earthquake hazards. SDMC Reference: had organised an Expert Group Meeting on 1. SADR 2010 Seismic Hazards among SAARC Member States 2. USGS so that proper methodology can be adopted 3. EMDAT for earthquake hazard mapping of the earth- 4. GDAC quake-prone areas of SAARC States. Recently, 5. IMD SDMC had successfully developed a template 6. PMD on Safety of schools and hospitals by apply- 7. NSC

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8. SDMC mogenesis in Sikkim – Darjeeling Himalaya and 9. PAN (Kabul) its crustal heterogeneities: Future Vulnerability, 10. Press TV GSI Report 50p. 11. Xinhua 23. Mishra O.P., 2011. Interview NDTV on September 12. The Daily Star, BSS, Dhaka 18, 2011. 13. Kuensel Newspaper 24. WHO, Natural Emergency Operation Centre 14. Daily Times, Lahore (NEOC) 15. The Frontier Post, Karachi 25. Dawn News 16. DD News 26. The Daily Star 17. Hindustan Times 27. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India 18. The Hindu 28. Newsonair 19. The Times of India 29. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Nepal 20. Zee News 30. Adventist Development and Relief Agency Inter- 21. GSI (Geological Survey of India) national (ADRA) 22. Mishra O.P., G.K. Chakrabortty, O.P. Singh, D.C. 31. Template on Rapid visual assessment of School Ghosh, K. K. Mukherjee, and P.C. Das, 2010, Seis- and Hospitals developed by SDMC

| 93 | Introduction Chapter 9 Landslide

An Overview

Landslide is a common disaster in many of the South Asian countries. In many parts of the SAARC member countries the lithology is steeply dipping which become more unstable with the influence of heavy precipitation, human inter- ventions and various other factors. The data for the year 2011 shows that Bangladesh had ex- perienced one of the 10 major global landslide incidents (Table 9.1). Figure 9.1: Distribution of landslides in SAARC region for the period 2007-2011 (Source-EMDAT & Media Report accessed on July 10, 2012). Table 9.1: Top 10 landslide fatalities and affected in 2011 Table 9.2: Number of fatalities in South Asia (Source: Data compiled by SDMC from media reports). Country Date Number Number of persons of Countries Number of people killed killed persons Afghanistan 3 affected Bangladesh 25 Korea Rep 26/07/2011 59 2000 Bhutan 1 Colombia 4/11/2011 40 175 India 32 Indonesia 30/11/2011 34 - Nepal 63 Philippines 22/04/2011 24 574 Pakistan 7 China P Rep 9/5/2011 22 - Sri Lanka 24 Indonesia 6/5/2011 19 4 Total 155 China P Rep 5/7/2011 18 2 Bangladesh 4/7/2011 17 17 Malaysia 21/05/2011 16 6 Guatemala 20/09/2011 16 - Source: EMDAT accessed on May 14, 2012

The year-wise distribution of landslideds in South Asia for the period between 2007-2011 shows that there has been a declining trend (Fig- ure 9.1). This may be a reflection of intensified landslide mitigation measures and community Figure 9.2: Percentage distribution of landslides in the SAARC region during the year 2011 awareness in the region. (Source: Datacompiled by SDMC from media reports).

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The distribution of landslides in the SAARC infant who were present in the house at the time region for the year 2011 shows that Nepal experi- of the landslide. The landslide blocked the road enced the maximum number of events followed for some time, halting traffic movement between by India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghani- Bandarban sadar and Roangchhari3. On August stan and Bhutan (Table 9.2 and Figure 9.2) 14, a landslide struck in the early morning hours in the Pahartali in Chittagong division, killing Afghanistan two people. Big chunks of earth fell on a six room In an incident on February 20, three people were shanty located at the base of Tanki pahar or Balur killed when a landslide struck Taghab Best village pahar burying the sleeping people (Figure 9.3). in the northwestern province of Badghis. The fa- The incident may have been triggered by under- talities were a result of shooting rock that fell on cutting of the base of the already critical slope of the roof of the three ill-fated people including a the hill3. woman and a child. Some of the villagers had an- ticipated an impending landslide and could es- cape to safer locations1. Two people were injured in the incident. In another incident more than 100 houses were damaged in a landslide in northern province on April 6, with residents fleeing homes in panic2.

Bangladesh On March 29, two day labourers were killed and five others were injured when a huge block of Figure 9.3:Location of the landslide at Pahartali at Chittagong and the soil fell over them in village Dairgaon under Ga- members of the grieving family fargaon upazila of Mymensingh3. (Source :Daily Star/ Anurup Kanti Das). A protection wall constructed to prevent landslides failed in the Batali Hill area in Chit- tagong district and killed 17 people. According to an investigating committee formed after the fatal landslide, a huge quantity of earth piled to support the outer face of the two-layer wall was found removed, which might have contributed to the collapse. The protection wall was 360 me- ter long and nearly 60 meter long portion of the wall had collapsed and caused the incident3. On August 9, a portion of a hill collapsed on a house amid heavy downpour in Ramjadi in Ban- Figure 9.4:Location of the landslide at Gomchu, Khaling (Source: Kuensel) darban. The incident took toll of a mother and an

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In another incident a construction worker aged roads and destroyed at least four houses. was killed and another injured when big chunks Among the victims were 11 members of a fam- of earth came crashing down on some work- ily. The district had witnessed non-stop rain for ers building a retaining wall at the base of a hill three days. On the fateful night, sensing danger, called Dhanmiah pahar in Rangamati. The inci- some locals and a group of daily wage labour- dent occurred on October 23 evening3. A stone ers who were staying as tenants at a place 10 quarry worker was killed in a mudslide when a km from district headquarters took shelter in a mass of mud rolled down the slope on Decem- two-storied wooden house. But the house was ber 7 in Bijbarua Bonpur village near Utma bor- washed away and 14 persons died7. Heavy rains der in Companyganj upazila. The deceased was in the monsoon months caused several incidenc- collecting stone from a hole from a stone quarry es of landslides in the northern hill states of India when the incident occurred4. and on July 27, five people lost their lives in sepa- rate landslide incidents in the hill state of Uttara- Bhutan khand6. Six more people perished in landslides A 45-year-old bulldozer operator died on May 23, in Dhur village in Chamoli district of Himachal after he was buried under a massive mudslide Pradesh on September 108. and boulders at Gomchu, Khaling in Trashigang. Gomchu is about 5km from Khaling to Trashi- Nepal gang. The bulldozer operator from Uttaranchal, On July 4, six members from a single family were India, was clearing the road, following a major killed when a landslide swept away their house block caused by the heavy rains on May 22. The at Thumki-7 of Kaksi district in the morning. Two accident occurred around 11a.m., according to days later on July 6, a woman dies and her hus- the officer-in-charge, when some 20m long and band was injured when their house was buried in 10m high mud from the hill above slid down and landslide debris in Dumre, Bandipur-4. The land- covered the dozer. The incident occurred so fast slide was triggered by incessant rains9. that there was very little time to react5. In one of the major landslide events of Nepal in the year 2011, 13 people died when a landslide India buried two houses at Githakot and Basandanda On April 24, five members of a family were bur- of Purtimakada VDC-1 and 3 on early morning ied alive when a mass of rubble came down the hours of July 1410. The dead included several slope following an excavation operation in an children. A mother and her daughter died in a adjacent area. The incident occurred in Paharpani landslide that swept away their house at Rato- area of Dhari block in Nainital and it took some mata of Kaski district at very early morning hours hours before the bodies of thetrapped could be of July 199. The incidents of rain induced land- brought out6. Sixteen people were reported to slides in the month of monsoon and on August 3, have been killed in landslides caused by heavy three siblings lost their lives at Tewang VDC-1 in rain in west Sikkim in the north eastern part of Rolpa district. The house was buried and all the India on June 23. The landslides, which occurred three children lost their lives while their parents around tourism hot spots in Sikkim, had dam- sustained serious injuries in the incident11. On

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August 13, five people belonging to two families and a few others located at the base of a barren died due to a landslide in Chaurikharka-6 of So- hill were swept away in this landslide12. The inci- lukhumbu district while one person could be res- dents of heavy rainfall triggered landslide con- cued from the debris9. Seven persons including a tinued in the month of September and three per- minor lost their lives after a landslide at Hukam sons of a family were killed and another injured VDC-7 in Rukum buried them on September 5. when their house was swept away by a landslide The landslide swept them away while they were in Rasnalu VDC in Ramechhap district on Septem- on the way to water mill being operated nearby ber 17. The house they were living in could not Kacharjung rivulet. The slide swept them away withstand the impact of the landslide and col- along with the mill10, 11,12. In another incident that lapsed. Five more persons were killed and 14 oth- took place in the night of September 14, one per- ers were injured on September 22 after a land- son was killed and two others were injured when slide hit farmers while they were working on an a landslide triggered by torrential rain truck Bu- irrigation canal at Saghukhola, Resh-3, Baglung. dakot-2 of Acham district10. Seven people died The deceased were women working in the field and 18 others were injured in landslides in Mijh- when the landslide descended upon them10. Two ing-1, Ruining of Rolpa district early morning of separate landslides on October 14-15 killed four September 16 (Figure 9.5). Three concrete houses people in Rukum and Bhedawakhol10, 13.

Figure 9.5:Location of landslide at Rolpa (Source: Republica News).

Pakistan injured in the incident14. Intermittent rains ac- Two Chinese engineers were killed due to land- companied with hailstorms caused landslide in slide in Muslim Bagh on February 13. They were Harnai in which a teenage boy was killed and engaged in drilling near a chromite mine and two others were injured. The road link between died due to landslide. A security guard was also Ziarat and Quetta was also disrupted following

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the landslide14. Five female workers died and five houses under16 it . On February 1, a woman three others got injured due to landslide in Kah- was buried alive after a mound of earth from ror Pakka area of Lodhran on October 9. Accord- a hill came down and razed her house to the ing to the rescue sources, the female workers got ground at about 9 p.m. in Badulla. The victim and trapped under the sand rubble while taking part her husband were in the house when the mound in an underground construction15. of earth fell from a height of about 75 feet17.

Sri Lanka References: Landslides and earth slips claimed three lives 1. Daily Outlook including a child and injured many more in Sri 2. Pajhwok News Agency Lanka's hill country of Kandy on January 6. In the 3. Daily Star first incident a nine-year-old girl was buried un- 4. The Independent der an earth slip in the Thalathuoya area of Kan- 5. Kuensel dy district while in another incident on the same 6. www. newsonair.com day; two more people were killed and 15 others 7. The Hindustan Times sustained injury when an earth slip in the area of 8. Zee News 2nd Rajasingha Mawatha in Kandy. Several hous- 9. Kantipur News es were also destroyed in the incidents16. More 10. The Himlayan Times people died under a collapsed earth mound in 11. The Kathmandu Post Getambe village. Sources from Sri Lanka's hill 12. Republica News capital Kandy says that rescue operations are un- 13. Nepal News derway to save the lives of several people that 14. Daily Times are buried under a collapsed earth mound in Ge- 15. The News tambe village. At least 20 people were reported 16. Colombo Page to have been killed when the earth mass crushed 17. Daily Mirror

| 98 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Chapter 10 Epidemics

An Overview demics is a major problem in the region. Contam- Epidemics are a major problem in most parts of ination of water is the largest cause of epidemic the SAARC region. An epidemic occurs when diseases in South Asia. During the year 2011, the new cases of a certain disease, in a given human SAARC region witnessed a large number of ca- population, and during a given period, substan- sualties due to epidemics. Around 1494 people tially exceed what is expected based on recent were killed due to various epidemic situations experiences. The main causes for occurrence of during the year 2011. It is to be mentioned here epidemics are lack of clean and hygienic drinking that the global data base (EMDAT) records only water, lack of awareness about sanitation, con- major events. According to this data, there are tamination of drinking water sources, eating rot- higher number of casualties this year mainly due ten and unhygienic food, poor living conditions, to diarrhoea in India and dengue in Pakistan and poor economic conditions (lack of sufficient Sri Lanka. Details of these cases are given in Ap- funds to provide medical infrastructure facilities pendix. Figure 10.1 below indicates the number etc to control epidemics), overcrowding, biologi- cal conditions and ecological factors. Epidemics include Viral Infectious Diseases and Bacterial In- fectious Diseases. An epidemic may be restricted to one location, however if it spreads to other countries or continents and affects a substantial number of people, it may be termed a pandemic. Many epidemics will have characteristics of both common source and propagated outbreaks. For example, secondary person-to-person spread may occur after a common source exposure. Figure 10.1: A diagram showing the number of deaths due to Epidemics The declaration of an epidemic usually requires in each of the SAARC Member Countries during the year 2011 (Source: EM-DAT) a good understanding of a baseline rate of in- cidence. Epidemics for certain diseases, such as of people killed due to Epidemics in each of the influenza, are defined as reaching some defined SAARC Member Countries during the year 2011. increase in incidence above this baseline. Since The total number of casualties occurred due to SAARC region consists of predominantly poor Epidemics in the entire SAARC region consisting population with little medical infrastructure facil- of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Mal- ities, control and prevention of occurrence of epi- dives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the

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years from 2007 to 2011 are illustrated in Figure and dust in air causing more respiratory prob- 10.2 below. lems2.

Polio The year 2011 witnessed fewer incidences of po- lio cases in Afghanistan. During this year, there was a dramatic change in polio cases in com- parison to last year. Only 13 cases of polio were recorded in Helmand, Kandahar and Farah Prov- ince in Afghanistan during the year20113. This is mainly due to the polio eradication efforts and immunization programmes taken up by the Gov- ernment of Afghanistan, the World Health Or- Figure 10.2: Total number of deaths due to Epidemics in the SAARC ganization (WHO), the United Nations Children region from 2007 to 2011 (Source: EM-DAT) Fund (UNICEF), and other partners, which have The country wise description of the major epi- invested heavily in improving routine immuni- demic cases in each of the SAARC member Coun- zation coverage in the country. Fig:10.3 shows a tries is discussed below: Polio immunization camp organized by the Min- istry of Public Health in Helmand, Kandahar and Afghanistan Farah Provinces in Afghanistan2. Respiratory Diseases During the year 2011, the people of Afghani- stan experienced major threats causing respi- ratory diseases due to air pollution and poor environment. The pollutants emitted by old cars, poor quality fuel and people burning trash increased the levels of pollution. In many areas, Figure-10.3: Polio immunization in Helmand, Kandahar and Farah people used masks during work. According to Province in Afghanistan during the year2011 (Source: The Daily Outlook, Kabul) the National Environment Protection Agency, around 3000 people died every year due to air Cholera pollution in Afghanistan. The health Ministry Lack of awareness, lack of access to safe drinking of Afghanistan estimated that about 480,000 water and sanitation as well as poor awareness people have suffered from respiratory disease about personal hygiene are the major causes of over six years. Afghan people may face a health cholera. On 28 July 2011, four children died due disaster in the near future1. Over the last three to cholera in of eastern Kunar months, 2.4 million people were treated for re- province of Afghanistan. According to the Minis- spiratory system disorders . In the capital city of try of Public Health (MoPH), the outbreak of chol- Kabul alone, more than 228,000 people suffered era also spread out in Bodgah, Watala, Qala and from respiratory diseases alone due to wind Gul Salak areas of the district3. About 136 people

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were also infected by cholera in the district. The each year in Bangladesh . In the year 2011, the existing medical infrastructure is not enough to country witnessed wide spread outbreak of dis- control the disease because the number of in- eases like diarrhea, chicken pox, anthrax, measles fected people is high. However, the district health and dengue which infected people in different department took several initiatives to provide parts of the country due to poor health facilities. immediate medical care to people but the con- The waterborne diseases cholera and diarrhea up secutive rain and flood increased symptom of surged alarmingly in the country during the year diseases. Government medical teams were de- 2011. According to International Centre for Diar- ployed in all the affected areas to control the dis- rheal Disease Research (ICDDR), Bangladesh, the ease. diarrhea cases raised due to higher temperatures and poor access to safe drinking water and sani- Diarrhoea tation facilities. The World Health Organization Four people died from acute watery diarrhea in (WHO) estimated that nearly 51,000 children are the Mizan district of southern of affected by diarrhea each year in Bangladesh. Afghanistan on 4 September, 2011. The out brake Some of the most alarming epidemics that oc- of the epidemic occurred during the Id-ul-fitr fes- curred in Bangladesh in the year 2011 are de- tival during September, 2011and infected dozens scribed below:- of people in the province. The acute diarrheal in- fection was caused by ingestion of bacteria. The Diarrhoea provincial health department of the Government About 11 people died due to outbreak of di- of Afghanistan took immediate initiatives and arrhoea at five different villages in Matamuhuri appropriate measures to prevent further fatali- Reserved area in Alikadam upazila on 27 April, ties3. Four people died of diarrhea in 2011. More than 300 tribal people of different of Ghazni province on 26th September 2011. The localities were also infected. The health depart- epidemic was also spread in several villages of ment immediately sent medical teams to the af- the district affecting people of all ages. However, fected areas to prevent the fatalities4. The num- the local health officials provided timely medical assistance to all the affected people.

Bangladesh Bangladesh is one of the most epidemic prone countries in South Asia. About 35% to 40% of the people in Bangladesh suffer from various diseases each year due to its vulnerability to epi- demiological diseases and very high population density. The large number of vehicles and their high emissions are the main cause to lead high concentration of pollution in the air that results Fig-10.4: A Patient Receiving ORS treatment at the ICDDR,B in 4.5 million new cases of chronic bronchitis (Source-IRIN )

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ber of diarrhoea cases up surged due to higher 2008, 188 cases in September 2009 and 183 temperatures in the capital city of Dhaka in the cases in August 2010 while about 691 cases of first week of August 2011. According to Interna- dengue reported in 2011. The number of deaths tional Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, since 2000 was put at 2337. The graph below Bangladesh (ICDDR, B), 3,396 cases were report- shows the month-wise details of dengue cases ed in the 1st week of August, 2011 which is 50% in the period from 2007-2011 (Fig.10.5). more than last year. About 80% of all reported cases included children5. Many patients received treatment at the International Centre for Diar- rhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh(Fig10.4).

Dengue Dengue is an infectious tropical viral fever caused by dengue virus. The carrier of dengue virus is Aides mosquito. The symptoms of den- gue include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash similar to Figure-10.5 : A Graph showing Dengue cases in Dhaka measles. The disease develops into the life- ( Source: Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, Bangladesh) threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever, result- ing in bleeding, low levels of blood platelets and Nipah encephalitis blood plasma leakage, or into dengue shock In Bangladesh, Nipah virus (NiV) was first syndrome, where a dangerously low blood pres- identified as the cause of an outbreak of enceph- sure occurs. The number of dengue cases has alitis in 2001 in . In last 10 years, risen alarmingly in Bangladesh during the peri- Nipah outbreaks occurred eight times between od 2007-2011 as shown in the Table 10.1 below: December and May each year. The Nipah out- breaks have been identified in Noagoan (2003), Year No of Dengue Cases Rajbari (2004), Faridpur (2004), Tangail (2005), 2007 183 Thakurgaon (2007) Kushtia (2007), Manikgonj 2008 473 and Rajbari ( 2008), Faridpur ( 2010). Till January 2009 188 2010 183 2011 691 Nipah Encephalitis Total 1718 Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic paramyxo- Table- 10.1 :No of dengue cases reported (during2007-2011) in virus and belongs to genus Henipavirus. Large fruit Bangladesh (Source:Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and bats of Pteropus genus are the natural reservoir of Research, Bangladesh) NiV. Human Nipah virus (NiV) infection was first rec- The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Con- ognized in a large outbreak of 276 reported cases in peninsular Malaysia and Singapore from September trol and Research, Bangladesh reported that 1998 through May 1999. Most patients had contact the peak of 183 dengue cases was recorded in with sick presented primarily with encephalitis. August 2007 while the peak of 473 cases in July

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31 2011 total of 152 human cases of Nipah infec- cattle, and goats, but humans who come into tion in Bangladesh were recognized. Beginning contact with infected animals can get sick from 2006, The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Con- anthrax, too. The people who were most at risk trol and Research in collaboration with the Inter- for anthrax included farm workers, veterinarians, national Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research and tannery and wool workers. (ICDDR), Bangladesh established Nipah surveil- In the year 2011, a number of anthrax cases lance in 10 district level Government hospitals of were found in different part of the country. The the country where Nipah outbreaks have been Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and identified. Presently surveillance system is func- Research Bangladesh reported few cases of an- tioning in 6 hospitals. Through the surveillance thrax during the months of May to July. Every system 39 cases were identified. Outbreak inves- year during the rainy season anthrax spreads tigations have identified two routes of transmis- among the cattle in the country. On 14 May sion of Nipah virus from its natural reservoir into 2011, the local Health department confirmed human: drinking of raw date palm sap contami- three cases of Anthrax in Santhia upazila9. In Raut nated with Nipah virus and close physical contact Nagdapara village in Faridpur Upazila, two more with Nipah infected case-patients8. people were infected with anthrax on 2 June, According to the Director of the Institute 2011. On 11 June 2011, Local health officials con- of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, firmed more than 15 anthrax cases in Sirajganj (IEDCR) Bangladesh, five people were infected and Pabna districts. The officials of the upazila with the Nepah virus in Faridpur and Rajbari dis- health and family planning visited the village tricts and four of them died on 23 January 20116. and confirmed the disease. They also provided The death rate of victims of the Nipah virus is very free treatment to all the infected patients10. high and around 75 % of the infected people do not survive. The IEDCR reported that a total of 152 Chicken Pox people were infected with the Nipah virus across Chicken pox is a highly contagious disease the country since 2001, of whom 113 died .The caused by primary infection with Varicella Zos- virologists advised people in the Nipah-preva- ter Virus (VZV). It usually starts with vesicular lent areas not to eat fruits that have been bitten skin rash mainly on the body and head rather by fruit bats, or drink the raw juices of palm and than at the periphery and becomes itchy, raw date trees. About 35 deaths were reported due pockmarks, which mostly heal without scarring. to Nipah virus across the country between the Chicken pox is an airborne disease spread easily months of January –February 20119. through coughing or sneezing of ill patients or through direct contact with secretions from the Anthrax rash. The disease Chicken pox is very common in Anthrax is an infectious disease that occurs Bangladesh which always infected the children. due to a type of bacteria called Bacillus anthra- ces. Infection in humans most often involves Measles the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or lungs. Anthrax Measles is a very contagious illness caused commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep, by a virus. The infection is spread by contact with

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droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an April 2011, more than 50 Bhutanese received life infected person. Sneezing and coughing by an changing surgeries with initiatives of the govern- infected person can put contaminated droplets ment and American doctors and volunteers. A into the air, which may affect the normal persons team of American doctors and volunteers Provid- who may come in to contact. In the year 2011, ed medical treatment for 125 Bhutanese suffering 32 children were infected with measles and out from congenital defects in Paro11 . of them 4 children died. The disease out broke in lamma upazila. According to health department, Influenza A (H1N1) 41 children in Alikadam, seven in Lama and five On 13th April 2011, 17 students of the Phy- in Ruma upazilas died and several hundreds af- lum Higher Secondary School and Phylum lower fected children in 22 remote villages received secondary school in Lhuentse were tested posi- treatment from the special medical teams 10. tive for Influenza A. The Lhuentse authorities took several initiatives to prevent the flu from Bhutan spreading and ordered to close the Phylum High- In year 2011, there was no outbreak of epidemics er Secondary School and Phylum lower second- in Bhutan. Across the country, a few cases of H1N1 ary school for one week. On April 4, 29 students (Flu) was witnessed by the government health of- from the Phuyum Higher Secondary School were ficials. After analysis of World Health Organization, treated at the Lhuentse hospital for fever, head- it was observed that no fatal diseases were spread ache and throat pain (Fig:10.6(a) &(b)). There were out across the country during the year. The Roy- cases of cough and cold among the students of al Government of Bhutan took several initiatives the Lhuentse primary school, where three of the for providing good health to the people. On 9 10 students tested positive for the flu11.

Fig:10.6(a)&(b): Students of Phuyum Higher Secondary School recovering from the H1N1 virus (Source: Kuensel Newspaper)

India child mortality rate. Barring Afghanistan, India India ranks among the top 10 countries in the is worst affected by what are often described as world burdened with highest mortality arising NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases) in South from communicable diseases, especially tuber- Asia with around 38 % of premature deaths of culosis, as well as high maternal mortality and males and 32.1 % of premature deaths of females

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below 60 years. Non-Communicable Diseases tious disease, whether a person contracts malaria estimated to account for 53 % of all deaths in In- or not, also depends substantially on how clean dia. The WHO report shows that the diseases like the surrounding environments are. The focus in cardiovascular, cancers, chronic respiratory, blood the civic bodies should be to control breeding of pressure and diabetes are an offshoot of growing mosquitoes. The civic bodies should also focus on affluence of the middle classes as well as worsen- spreading awareness among the residents about ing health conditions among the people below how to control malaria. the poverty line. Around 37 % of deaths in India The details of malaria preventive measures are caused due to communicable, maternal, pre- are as follows:- natal and nutritional conditions. In sharp con- • Water should not be allowed to stagnate trast, India’s neighbours such as China, Pakistan, within homes or offices. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are among other na- • Old tyres, broken flower vases, buckets etc. tions having low proportion of premature deaths that collect water should be removed. due to NCDs12. • It should be ensured that overhead tanks The description of communicable and non and wells are closed. communicable diseases in India during the year • Sewage should not be let into storm water 2011 are discussed below: drains. • Call the corporation helpline for fogging in Malaria case high density of mosquitoes was noticed. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. People with malaria often experi- Diarrhea ence fever, chills, and flu-like illness. On 10 Janu- In Tamilnadu, sixty cases of Diarrhea were ary 2011, the city of Mumbai reeled under the reported in Thanjavur on 25 January 201113. The spell of malaria. The Bombay Municipal Corpora- water contamination was the main cause for the tion (BMC) statistics show that a total 4,391 peo- outbreak of the disease. On 30 January 2011, an- ple were tested positive with malaria during this other incidence of the outbreaks of diarrhea in year. There was a positivity rate of 3.07% malaria Baselihata village of Narasinghapur block in Cut- cases during the month of January 13. In Tamil tack, Odisha, which affected many people was Nadu, the number of malaria cases reported were reported. The consumption of contaminated wa- 3,048. The key epidemic zones in the state of Tam- ter was the cause of the outbreak of the disease il Nadu are :- Chennai, Ramanathapuram, Vellore, as the water pipelines in the area had broken14. and Tiruvallur districts14. The experts say that Sixteen people were also hospitalised because of fighting the malaria is a community initiative, in diarrhoea after consuming drinking water, which which, every citizen should participate. In Chen- was reportedly contaminated, in Tirusulam in nai city, malaria day was observed on 28 April part of Tamilnadu on 30 March2011. 2011, in terms of fighting one of its most trouble- some vectors - the mosquito. The thrust was on Avian Influenza (H5N1) providing awareness to the residents on ways of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was ob- preventing malarial infections. Though an infec- served during the year 2011 in Assam and West

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Bengal states of India. According to health of- droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infect- ficials, some poultry on the government farm ed persons. Initial symptoms, which usually ap- were infected with the H5N1 strain of bird flu14. pear 10–12 days after infection, include high fe- On 17 February 2011, about 4000 ducks and ver, running nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white chickens were culled from government run farm spots on the inside of the mouth. Several days by health workers in the northeastern state of later, a rash develops, starting on the face and Tripura. Sixteen public health teams also began upper neck and gradually spreading downwards. slaughtering poultry within a distance of one In the year 2011, some cases of measles were kilometer of the state-run farm in an attempt to reported in Kutch district in Gujarat in India. Four halt the spread of the virus. After the outbreak children died at the Rambagh hospital in Adipur of bird flu in a State-owned poultry at R. K. Nagar in Kutch district of Gujarat on 16 March, 2011. Government duck farm in Agartala, Tripura, the The immediate action was taken to prevent fur- state government alerted the state poultry farms ther spreading of the disease by the Gujarat state and culled all the virus infected birds15(Fig.10.7). government which also provided free oral vac- On September 19, 2011, an outbreak of highly cination to communities. The state government pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was reported has ordered to give assistance of Rs. one lakh in West Bengal. The outbreak was detected in a each to the bereaved families14. rural backyard poultry flock in the Nadia district of West Bengal. On September 8, 2011, an out- Swine flu break of avian influenza (AI) was reported in rural Influenza – A (H1N1) (earlier know as swine backyard poultry in a village of the northeastern flu) is an influenza virus causing illness in people. state of Assam where measures were taken to First detected in Mexico, it has spread to many ensure containment of the outbreak. countries in the World. This was originally re- ferred to as “swine flu” because laboratory test- ing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to those found in pigs in North America. Swine Flu (H1N1) is a communi- cable disease which spreads through sputum, saliva, nasal discharge and sneezing of confirmed infected persons. The main symptoms of the dis- ease are headache, fever, soaring throat, trouble- some breathing, cough and body ache, chill, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and severe Figure 10.7: Indian health workers carry killed ducks to burry them at vomiting. The symptoms of swine flu in people the R.K. Nagar Government Duck Farm in Agartala, India (Source: Associated Press) are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu. Some people also report diarrhoea and Measles vomiting associated with influenza-A (H1N1). Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, Swine flu viruses are spread mainly from person which affects mostly children. It is transmitted via to person through droplets created while cough-

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ing or sneezing by a person infected with the in- Maldives fluenza-A (H1N1)31. In the year 2011, there were Dengue no major swine flu threats across the country. In the year 2011, the outbreak of Dengue was The southern states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka reported in some parts of the Islands. According were devoid of swine flu during the year. How- to the Maldives Health Ministry, 2,421 cases were ever, during the past three pilgrimage seasons, reported by August end with 11 fatalities record- Sabarimala in Kerala was in the grip of swine flu. ed. The incidence of dengue cases was increased On 24 March 2011, the deadly swine flu outbreak by 60% in the islands during the year 2011 when was reported and it took the season's first fatal- compared to last year . About 280 dengue cases ity due to the disease. The maximum number of was reported in the month of April, 2011 alone18 . eight cases of the disease were reported in Pun- Dengue is the most common in atolls like Lhavi- jab while Delhi and Rajasthan reported fatali- yani, Alif Alif, Alif dhaal, and Thaa. ties of two and one respectively14. The preventive In July 2011, 129 islanders struck with den- measures taken by the Government include facil- gue fever in Gaaf Alif Villigili. The “Villigili Dengue itating training to the health workers, inspectors Task Force’ conducted a door-to-door awareness and volunteers, wide distribution of pamphlets raising programme together with programmes detailing the symptoms of the disease and the to clean the island and spray fog to eradicate precautionary measures to be taken, setting up mosquito breeding grounds. The heavy rains in of call centres with a helpline number to provide all parts of the Maldives during the monsoon details of the health care facilities and tie up with period also increased the chances for mosquito the cellular providers to provide health tips on breeding, leading to an outbreak of dengue. The H1N1 under the National Rural Health Mission health ministry took various initatives to control (NRHM). disease immediately and provide medical treat- ment to the victims19 . Dengue In the year 2011, more than 10,000 dengue Nepal cases were reported across the country, with In the year 2011, the outbreaks of disease Punjab topping the list with 2,016 cases. Pun- like Diarrhea, pneumonia were reported in some jab was followed by 1,793 cases in Odisha, 1,398 parts of the country. However, there were no fatal in Tamil Nadu and 963 in Kerala and Delhi was diseases causing mass causalities during the year. fifth on the list with 900 cases16. The Madurai- The diseases spread out during the year across based Centre for Research in Medical Entomol- the country are discussed below:- ogy (CRME) was mandated by the Government of India to develop strong surveillance tools for Diarrhea dengue and chikungunya and study on various The common symptoms of diarrhea disease parameters to develop a technology for control were fever, stomach ache, dizziness and vomit- of diseases and prepare a scientific roadmap ing22.In Juna BK (22) of Dahakot-3 in Bajura dis- for control and prevention of these two vector- trict of Nepal, one person died on 4 May 2011 borne diseases14. due to diarrhea. The number of diarrhrea, chol-

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era and common cold surged during this year. and increased the number of cases of swine flu One person died due to diarrhea in jugada-6 that was reported in different parts of the coun- in bajura district on 11 May 2011. A women lost try. The major disease outbreaks occurred during her life due to diarrhea in Rukum district on 29th this year are discussed below:- May 201120. Due to the outbreak of diarrhea in Palpa district, three persons lost their lives and 50 Gastroenteritis others were taken ill in the month of July 2011. In the year 2011, the diseases of gastroenteri- Most of the diarrhea patients took treatment at tis affected the various communities across the various private hospitals and clinics. On 23 July country. The disease struck in the flood affected 2011, diarrhea claimed the lives of three children areas of Faridabad, Khuzdar, Miramshah, Dir, at Bajaha of Bishala VDC-1 of Dailekh district21. In Badin, and Shangla. On 21 May 2011, one child Padi and Doyal of Sirdibas VDC of Gorkha district, died due to gastroenteritis and 20 children were three lives were lost due to diarrhea and six peo- severely affected in flood affected area of Farid- ple were also badly affected by the disease on abad. The gastroenteritis was common among 5 August 2011. On 12 July 2010, in Saptai, three children living in areas with poor water and sani- persons died and two dozen people became ill tation services25.Due to gastroenteritis three peo- due to a mysterious virus disease. ple died and dozens of children were suffered in Khudar district on 14 June 2011. Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Japanese encephalitis is a viral disease that Diarrhea infects animals and humans. It is transmitted by During first week of July 2011, four persons mosquitoes and in humans, it causes inflamma- died from diarrhea in Murree. About 60 to 70 tion of the membranes around the brain. Patients patients suffering from the epidemic got timely show symptoms such as fever, lethargy, hardness medicare in the Head Quarters Hospitalat Mur- in neck and legs, dizziness, vomiting, and loss ree. Though people faced problems due to severe of consciousness, among others. The disease is shortage of life saving medicines in basic health caused by Japanese B Encephalitis virus trans- units in different areas, the problem was solved mitted by culex mosquito. In the year 2011, forty- with the timely intervention of the health author- nine people were affected from this disease. On 2 ities. The use of contaminated water was the main September 2011, five people lost their lives from reason for the disease outbreak25. In August 2011, this disease in Seti Zonal hospital in Nepall23. two people died and hundreds of people suf- fered due to Cholera in Khorabad near Rasshaki Pakistan in Nowshera District. The cholera had spread in During the year 2011, outbreaks of Epidemics the area due to water contamination26. were reported across Pakistan, causing more fa- Dengue talities. The diseases like diarrhea, cholera and According to the latest World Health Or- swine flu were noticed throughout the year in ganization (WHO) statistics, there were 21,590 Pakistan. Flooding in many parts of the country confirmed dengue virus cases and 317 deaths also increased the frequency of these diseases reported in 2011 in Pakistan. About 257 deaths

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were reported in Lahore province alone and trol of dengue fever. All the people affected 60 deaths were reported in other parts of the by dengue fever received treatment in vari- country12. World Health Organization also pro- ous hospitals in Lahore (Fig:10.8) and health vided technical assistance, standard guidelines workers took several measures including and capacity building in planning and imple- spraying to control the menace of mosquitoes mentation in all areas for prevention and con- (Fig:10.9) .

Figure -10.8: Dengue fever affected people receiving treatment at a Lahore hospital (Source: The Frontier Post) Figure -10.9: Health workers spraying to control the menace of mosquitoes in Lahore(Source: The Frontier Post)

Sri Lanka 93 deaths were recorded in the Health Ministry’s In the year 2011, no major epidemic outbreaks Epidemiology Unit. Among them, 1,497 den- occurred in Sri Lanka but a few cases of epidem- gue patients were reported from Colombo. The ics such as dengue, cholera and rat fever were re- number of dengue deaths reported from the ported. The details of epidemic outbreaks during Colombo district were 52. Gampaha district was this year in Sri Lanka are described below:- the second worst affected by dengue with 776 cases and 15 deaths. A total of 20 persons died Diarrhea from Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) within In the year 2011, about 32 dengue related the Columbo Municpal Corporation area during deaths were reported in the first four months it the period. Other parts of the Colombo district self. A total number of 3,784 diarrhea confirmed reported a total of 32 deaths. Gampaha district patients were reported by the government recorded a total of 17 dengue deaths during the health department across the country. According same period while Batticaloa district recorded a to epidemiology unit of the Health Ministry, 907 total of nine deaths. The total number of deaths patients were reported in January, 1,050 in Feb- reported from Kalutara district is six. Another six ruary, 1,111 in March and 716 in April. The high- dengue cases were also reported from the Put- est number of cases was reported from the Co- talam district. The Health Ministry’s Epidemiology lombo district, with 1,273 patients and 12 deaths Unit statistics reported that 15,614 dengue cases during the period28. On 18 June 2011, a total were reported from all parts of the country while number of 11,901 cases were confirmed while 120 dengue related deaths were confirmed. The

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Colombo district recorded 4,093 dengue cases. Reference Gampaha, Kalutara and Batticaloa districts re- 1. Afghan Online Press, Kabul corded 2340, 836 and 671 dengue cases respec- 2. The Daily Outlook, Kabul tively while Ratnapura and Kurunegala districts 3. PAN (Pajhwok Afghan News) recorded 609 dengue cases each during this pe- 4. The New Nation riod. 5. IRIN, Dhaka 6. New Age, UNB, Dhaka Rat fever 7. The Independent According to the Epidemiology Unit of the 8. Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Re- Health Ministry, leptospirosis, a fast spreading search (IEDCR), Bangladesh fever (commonly known as rat fever) killed five 9. The Daily Star farmers in Anuradhapura. Around 25 paddy 10. The New Nation farmers suffered from this disease and five of 11. Kuensel Newspaper them died. Around 2840 rat fever patients were 12. WHO (World health Organization) reported from all parts of the country during the 13. The Times of India year 2011. The total number of deaths reported 14. The Hindu was 60. The highest number of 11deaths were 15. Associated Press reported from Gampaha district and 10 deaths 16. Sify News were reported from Kurunegala district. Most of 17. DD News the victims were farmers. Seven deaths were re- 18. Haveeru News ported from Hambantota district. Four deaths 19. Maldivian News each were reported from Matara and Kurunegala 20. The Himalayan Times, districts respectively29. Three deaths each were 21. Kantipur News also reported from the Gampaha and Anurad- 22. Nepal News hapura districts respectively. The highest num- 23. Republica News ber of patients, 1039 were reported from the 24. Daily Times Kurunegala district. The number of patients re- 25. Dawn News, ported from the Gampaha district was 244. The 26. The Frontier Post number of patients reported from Hambantota 27. The Express Tribune, Lahore district was 212. In the country, March 2011 re- 28. Daily Mirror, corded the highest number of 1576 of rat fever 29. Daily News patients30. 30. The Island

| 110 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Chapter 11 Man-Made Disasters

An Overview to account for very high number of casualties. Man-made disasters can be broken down into In 2011, a large number of people were killed several categories and they include bomb blasts, on account of man-made disasters in the coun- air strikes, mine blasts, militant strikes, terrorist at- tries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Bangla- tacks, technological disasters, industrial disasters, desh. These events are often witnessed in scat- stampedes, and transportation hazards like road tered distribution and sometimes not properly and rail/ train accidents, airplane accidents, boat reported. The following Figure gives the details capsizes, etc., among others. There are certain of the total number of people killed on account types of man-made disasters that cause more of man-made disasters in the SAARC region dur- pronounced damage can be easily prevented ing the period 2007-2011 (Fig.11.1). Table 11.1 when compared to others. A good example is to below indicates the number of people killed due look at manmade disasters such as transportation to industrial accidents, miscellaneous accidents disasters. These are divided into different catego- and transport accidents) in South Asia during ries which include aviation, rail, road, water etc. the period 2007 to 2011 whereas Fig. 11.2 shows These are all preventable hazards. Often these the percentage of the number of people killed are as a result of neglect or ignorance and over due to these disasters in the region during 2011. the years, they have claimed several lives. An- Some of the important man-made disasters wit- other type of manmade disaster that killed many nessed in the SAARC member countries during people in the SAARC region is bomb blasts. These 2011 are discussed below country wise and the bomb blasts are often as a result of bad intent individual events are listed in Appendix-VIII. and the end results were catastrophic with a large percentage of those involved losing their lives or end up with major defects or long term inju- ries. Other types of manmade disasters include industrial accidents, chemical spill, oil spill, arson and terrorism. There were also some technologi- cal hazards which include power outages, nuclear, chemical and radiological accidents, building/ structural collapse and fire accidents. The causes behind many of these man-made disasters are complicated in nature and are governed by socio- economic, political and technological factors and many times, combination of these. In the South Fig.11.1 : Total number of people killed in man-made disasters during Asian region, these manmade disasters continue 2007 to 2011 in the SAARC Region (Source: EMDAT)

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Total number of people killed in man-made disasters in South Asia during 2007 to 2011 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Industrial Accidents -- 17 97 -- 43 Miscellaneous Accidents 164 411 128 308 468 Transport Accidents 508 477 459 897 1190 Total 672 905 684 1205 1701 Table 11.1 : Number of people killed due to man-made disasters in South Asia during 2007 to 2011 (Source: EMDAT) A Taliban commander was also killed in clashes with Afghan and foreign troops in the operation. Shirzad district, bordering Pakistan, is one of the volatile areas where Taliban militants were active. A suicide bomber detonated explosives strapped to his chest at a public bathhouse in Kandahar on January 7, 2011, killing 17 people, including a border police patrol officer2. Another Fig. 11.2: A diagram showing the % of lives lost due to man-made 23 persons, including three policemen, were seri- disasters in the SAARC region during 2011 (Source: EMDAT) ously injured in the blast that occurred in Wesh Afghanistan town of on the Pakistani bor- Bomb blasts/Violence der. The blast reflected the continuing instability At least 20 persons were killed and 21 others in the south region, where NATO has bolstered were severely injured in an operation carried out its forces, but the insurgents were able to stand by Afghan and foreign forces in eastern Nangar- their ground there while expanding their opera- har province (Fig11.3) on January 2, 20111. The tions to other parts of Afghanistan once consid- operation was launched in Shirzad district of ered relatively safe. In another operation, a se- to wipe out insurgents from nior Taliban leader and 14 other militants were the area. The militants suffered heavy casualties killed on January 8, 2011 in an Afghan-NATO op- in the operation. eration targeting the militants in north Afghani- stan3. In another incident, at least seven civilians were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Afghani- stan's southern province of Zabul on January 14, 20114. All the victims were taxi drivers. In another similar incident, nine people including six chil- dren were killed in a terrorist explosion in the northern on January 16, 2011. Six people died in another bomb attack in the southern and three others Fig 11.3: Eastern Nangarhar province in Afghanistan were killed by another explosion in Oruzgan on (Source: Tolo News) the same day4. In a similar incident, a roadside

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bomb claimed the lives of at least 20 civilians, in- ple6. The Taliban-style home-made device struck cluding women and children, in eastern Afghani- the car in the province of Paktika, killing five chil- stan, on January 19, 2011. The incident took place dren, two women and five men. in Khoshamad district of eastern Paktika prov- At least 35 people were killed and 42 others ince, when a three-wheeled vehicle packed with were injured following a bomb attack on an army civilian passengers struck the roadside bomb, recruitment center in the Kunduz city at northern killing 20 civilians, including 13 children and six Afghanistan on March 14, 20114. Most of the vic- women, and wounding several others. tims were civilians, but three policemen and four A suicide car bombing killed at least nine children have also lost their lives in the incident. people and injured 31 others in a busy bazaar In another incident, three suicide bomb- in southeastern on February 18, ers detonated a truck full of explosives in the 2011. The attack in Khost City, the provincial capi- compound of a road construction company in tal, targeted a police post. The dead included six southeastern , killing 23 people civilians and a policeman manning the post. The and injuring another 60, on March 28, 20117. The blast damaged various nearby houses, buildings attackers shot dead the guard of the Zahir Road and shops. Eighteen people were killed and more Construction Company in Nawi Hada area of than 70 others were wounded in an armed attack and then detonated their truck on a bank in Jalalabad in Afghanistan's Nangar- bomb. All the 23 killed on the spot were the com- har Province on February 18, 2011. The attackers pany’s employees. The building of the construc- dressed like border police from their uniforms tion company was completely destroyed. All the and used guns and grenades to carry out the at- victims were guards and workers of the company. tack on a branch of Kabul Bank4. Kabul Bank is Af- Ten guards of a private security company ghanistan's top private lender, which distributes (Watan Risk Security Company) were killed during salaries to the Afghan police and armed forces. an air strike by international soldiers in the south- The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. ern province of Ghazni in the Pul Mati area of Gilan A roadside bomb ripped through a car in district on May 3, 2011. The guards were bombed eastern Afghanistan on March 4, 2011, killed 12 when they were escorting a logistic convoy. civilians and caused injuries to several other peo- Armed Taliban insurgents attacked another

Fig 11.4 (a) & (b): Snaps depicting bomb victims being carried to hospitals in Afghanistan

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private construction company office in south- lice cordoned off the entire area and all streets eastern Paktia province on May 19, 2011 killing 36 leading to the hotel were blocked. people, including labourers, security guards and In another incident, a landmine explosion engineers8. On the same day, at least ten people struck a bus in Afghanistan, killing at least 20 ci- were killed and several others were wounded in vilians, including women and children on June an explosion in a market place in Konduz Prov- 30, 201111. The incident happened in the remote ince in the northern Afghanistan9. A police officer southwestern province of Nimroz. The blast took was among those killed in the blast. At least 24 place in the region's on the others were injured. All the victims were admit- main highway linking Nimroz to Kandahar. In ted in different hospitals (Figs: 11.4(a) & (b)). In an- another incident, a passenger bus in southern Af- other suicide attack targeting a hospital in Logar ghanistan struck a land mine on July 2, 2011, kill- province on June 25, 2011 resulted in killing of 38 ing at least 18 civilians. About 30 people, includ- persons and severely injuring 50 others10. The at- ing women and children, were severely injured. tack occurred around 11:20 am on June 25, 2011 A roadside bomb has ripped through a van, when a car loaded with explosives was driven killing 13 civilians, including two children and into the Azrah district's central hospital. Three four women on July 2, 2011 in in women and two children were among the dead, southern Afghanistan, when their vehicle struck as were five health workers and a midwife. the device12. Roadside bombs, planted by mili- The death toll from a Taliban attack on 28th tants who have been waging an insurgency June, 2011 in a luxury hotel, frequented by for- against foreign forces for nearly 10 years, are a eigners and government officials, in Afghanistan frequent cause of casualties among civilians in reached to 21, including 10 civilians, nine attack- Afghanistan. ers and two policemen who died on the spot and In another incident, seven policemen were several others were injured after Taliban militants killed in an attack on their check-post near stormed the Intercontinental Hotel in the capital Lashkar Gah, the capital of southern Helmand city of Kabul late on June 28, 2011 (Fig:11.5). Two province, on July 18, 201113. On the same day, 10 foreign nationals were also among the dead. Po- militants were shot dead and as many wounded during a firefight with Afghan and foreign forces in the Giro district of Ghazni province. The police- men manning a checkpoint on the Helmand- Kandahar highway were killed by unidentified assailants. Again, on July 29, 2011, two separate power- ful bomb explosions killed at least 23 civilians and wounded several others in the southern Af- ghanistan, in the province of Helmand. The civil- ians lost their lives after a passenger minibus and Fig 11.5: Smoke coming from the Intercontinental hotel during a battle between Afghan security forces and Taliban militants in Kabul, a tractor separately struck explosives near the Afghanistan (Source: Press TV) city of Lashkar Gah. Women and children were

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among the victims. Taliban militants attacked explosion occurred. the security forces when they arrived at the At least 10 people were killed and more than scene of the explosion that hit the minibus. 42 others were wounded in two back-to-back At least seven civilians were killed and several oil tanker explosions (Fig: 11.6) near the main others injured in a market explosion in Afghani- US military base in central , on stan's southern province of Uruzgan on August 16, October 26, 201115. A magnet bomb, attached 2011. A motorcycle bomb went off in a market in to a fuel tanker, went off on the road leading to Dihrawud while people were shopping. In a simi- the Bagram Airfield. As residents gathered to lar incident, a bomb explosion has killed at least 20 collect fuel from the tanker, a second explosion people and wounded 12 others in the western Af- shook the area, killing 10 civilians and injuring 42 ghan province of Herat, on August 18, 20114. others. Sixteen people were killed and four others Nineteen civilians were killed by a roadside injured in a road side bombing in the Shindand bomb in Afghanistan’s southern Helmand prov- district of western Herat province on Septem- ince on December 7, 2011, taking the death toll ber 27, 201114. On the same day the explosion from just 24 hours of bloodshed to 78, that came in Shindand occurred around noon, when a van as funerals took place for 59 people killed in un- struck the bomb in the Chahak village of the dis- precedented bomb attacks on Ashura gatherings trict, five kilometres from a police checkpoint. in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif a day earlier16. Eleven children, four women and a driver were Twenty civilians were injured when a po- among the dead. lice vehicle was attacked with a hand-grenade Nine Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers in southwestern Khost province on December were killed and four others injured following a 18, 201117. The explosion took place at around roadside bombing in southeastern Paktia prov- 9:15am in a busy square Sargardan Chawk area, ince, on October 2, 201115. The incident took of Khost City where an unknown man threw place in the Sahak area of . The a hand grenade. The victims were provided ANA soldiers were searching for roadside bombs treatment in various hospitals in Khost City planted beneath culverts in the area when the (Fig: 11.7).

Fig 11.6 : Two back-to-back oil tanker explosions in central Parwan Fig 11.7: A grenade attack victim receiving treatment in Khost city in province,Afghanistan on 26th October, 2011,where 10 people were Afghanistan (Source: Pajhwok Afghan News) killed and more than 42 were wounded (Source: Pajhwok Afghan News)

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Fire dent, at least 20 carpet shops were gutted in As many as 936 incidents of fire that occurred a fire that broke out in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capi- during 2011 caused property losses amounting tal of northern , on November to more than 300 million Afghanis (US$ 6.1 mil- 10,2011. The fire originated from an electric lion), as per the Kabul fire brigade department. short circuit at a rug market west of Hazrat Ali Nearly 238 fire incidents happened in the capital Shrine at around 2 pm and soon engulfed 20 alone, with the rest taking place in several prov- adjoining shops inces in the country. On 16 January, 2011, a fire- wood stall blaze caused a huge loss amounting Transport Accidents to millions of Afghanis in the eastern province Afghanistan during the last few years has wit- of Nangarhar18. The stall was gutted in minutes nessed an increase in the number of road traffic as the fire erupted on the early hours of January accidents. The increase in road traffic accidents 16, 2011in the 3 police district near the old Kabul was due to the province’s small roads, mountain- bus stand in Jalalabad. The fire damaged a num- ous areas, winding roads, negligence and reckless- ber of carpentry shops nearby inflicting a loss ness of drivers22. The increase in the number of of more than about 700,000 Afghanis on each cars on the roads, including many without proper shopkeeper. Caused by a bare electric wire, the registration, was also a contributing factor to this. blaze was controlled soon after the timely arrival As most of the houses are very close to the roads, of fire fighters. speeding drivers can cause accidents to pedes- In another fire incident, eight shops were trians. Most of the accidents were caused by over burnt in a blaze caused by an explosion inside speeding and reckless driving. Afghanistan’s roads a fuel tanker in the eastern province of Nangar- are perilous and many vehicles in the country are har on April 27, 201120. Fire services personnel old. Hence, high casualties in road traffic accidents from the fire brigade put off the fire (Fig:11.8). were relatively common. If traffic rules were en- The fire erupted at 7:30am when a fuel tanker forced strictly, road traffic accidents and resultant exploded in front of the Customs House on casualties can be reduced significantly. the outskirts of Jalalabad. In another fire inci- On January 15, 2011, a dozen people were killed when a passenger coach rammed into a truck on the Kabul-Torkham highway near Jalala- bad in the Bakhtan area18. Twelve passengers in the coach were killed in the accident instantly. In another incident, eleven people, including two children and a woman, were killed and 17 oth- ers were seriously wounded in a traffic accident in western Herat province on February 27, 201123. The accident occurred when a truck crashed into a mini van and both vehicles fell in a deep ditch,

Fig 11.8 : A fire services person from the fire brigade, putting off fire in resulted in killing of eleven people. the eastern province of Nangarhar in Afghanistan (Source:PAN) Twenty passengers were killed and 24 oth-

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ers injured when a bus on its way from Kabul to Hamid Karzai issued a statement expressing his southwestern Nimroz province flipped over on deep sympathy for those killed. the main Kabul-Kandahar highway in southern At least eight people lost their lives in two Zabul province on April 28, 201124. separate road accidents in the northern Bagh- As many as 11 people were killed and lan province on September 6, 201129. The first wounded in two separate road traffic accidents accident took place in Gardab area of Baghlan- that took place in the southern Nimrooz province i-Markazi district on September 6, 2011, when on May 7, 201125. Three passengers including a a passenger bus collided with a van, killing five woman and two children were killed in the first civilians and injuring eight others. Elsewhere, accident that happened when a Saracha-Type three people were killed when a car plunged Corolla car collided a Trailer vehicle along the into a river in Shahr-i-Qadim of Pul-i-Khumri, the way between Zaranj and Delarm. In the second provincial capital. In another incident, atleast 15 accident two passengers were killed and three people were killed in a traffic accident in south- others were wounded in Chagansoor district of ern Helmand province on November 12, 2011. the same province. On May 14, 2011, twenty one The incident happened in Helmand-Kandahar people were killed in northern Afghanistan when highway when a speeding bus crashed with a car a bus veered off the road and plunged into a river coming in the opposite direction. in the Balkh province. The accident happened at around 6 a.m. local time in Balkh district, located Other accidents 322 kilometers northwest of the capital Kabul. An Indian teacher, working in an Afghan universi- The driver of the bus was apparently driving at ty, and his wife died following leakage of poison- a high speed when he lost control of the vehicle, ous gas at a hotel in Kabul on January 30, 2011. and the bus then skidded off the road and fell The couple died following leakage of some poi- into the river. The victims were all members of the sonous gas in the hotel where some employees same family, who died on the spot. There were of the hotel too were injured. three women and 15 children among the dead. Fifteen people from four different families, Bangladesh including women and children, were killed on June 21, 2011, when a truck skidded off a road Industrial Accidents and overturned in the western Herat province of In Bangladesh, at least 388 workers were killed Afghanistan26. The truck was en route to Herat in workplace related accidents across the City from Farsi district. country during the year 2011, according to A total of 35 Afghans were killed and 27 oth- a report of Safety and Rights Society, an NGO ers injured on August 20, 2011 when a speed- from Dhaka31. The report was prepared on the ing bus overturned on a highway in southern basis of reports published in 26 daily newspa- Afghanistan28. The incident happened just out- pers (15 national and 11 regional newspapers) side the Kandahar city in the Daman district of from January 1 to December 31, 2011. The re- Kandahar province on the main road connect- port did not include the deaths of workers ing it to the capital, Kabul. Afghanistan President outside the workplace or deaths of workers

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as a result of road traffic incidents. The survey found that the highest number of workers (183) died in construction sites, followed by deaths in factories and other manufacturing organisations (86), service organisations like hotels, workshops, power supply organisa- tions (73) and others sectors (46). Electrocu- tion was the cause of the highest number of deaths (134 workers) while 74 died after fall- ing from height (i.e scaffolds). Some 50 oth- Fig 11.9 : The gas cylinder of a bus that was exploded while it was being ers were crushed to death by machinery or filled at a CNG station of Chandgaon in Chittagong, damaging the vehicle along with a car and the dispenser in Kalurghat area on 17th hard objects. The remaining 130 workers died May, Photo: STAR from various causes, including exploding boil- ers, chemical and gas explosions, fire, suffoca- Fire tion as well as earth, roof and wall collapses. At least 25 persons were injured and 30 houses However, the report mentioned that the ac- gutted in a devastating fire at Kamarpara village tual number of the workplace deaths is cer- under Sadar upazila in Panchagarh on January tainly more than the numbers published in 27, 2011 evening32. The fire originated from a the report as many workplace deaths were kitchen and engulfed soon to adjacent houses. not reported in the newspapers. The organisa- Fire fighters rushed to the spot and brought the tion observed that most of the electrocutions blaze under control with the help of local people occurred when iron rods carried by construc- after six hours of effort. In another incident, a tion workers came into contact with live elec- devastating fire gutted at least 24 huts belong- tric lines passing near the under construction ing to poor people including casual labourers at buildings. It also observed that the workers fall Bonkola village of Sujanagar upazila under the victims to electrocution, as they were not pro- district on February 3, 201133(Fig:11.10). vided protective wearing equipment like hel- mets, gloves, shoes etc during the work. On May 17, 2011, two people were injured, one of them seriously, when a gas cylinder of a CNG- run bus exploded at a filling station in Kalurghat area in Chittagong (Fig:11.9). The blast blew up the left hand of a driver, who was waiting to refu- el his car. The other victim was a passerby. There was no passenger on the bus at the time of the accident. In another incident, three persons in- cluding an adolescent boy were killed as a cylin- Fig 11.10 : An elderly woman laments as she lost everything in the fire der exploded in Cox's Bazar and a boiler went off that burnt 24 huts to ashes at Bonkola village in Sujanagar upazila of Pabna on 3rd February, 2011. Photo: STAR in Bogra on August 24, 2011.

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The fire originated from a wood-burning stove of Batashi Khatun of the village and spread very quickly due to strong winds and destroyed all the 24 houses in the area. In another incident, at least 110 shops were gutted in a fire at Chandukhali Bazar in Barnuna district on April 15, 201134 (Fig:11.11). The fire originated from a shop and soon engulfed the

Fig 11.12 : Patients, visitors and staff come out from Bangabandhu Memorial Hospital in Chittagong following a fire in the hospital building. on May 27, 2011 Photo: STAR

A devastating fire gutted 105 shops in Gobindaganj Upazila market on June 10, 2011 damaging goods and properties worth over Tk 7 crore35. The fire originated from an electric shot circuit of a clothes shop at 5:00 am and soon en- gulfed adjacent shops. The blaze burnt to ashes the cash and goods of 105 shops and damaged Fig 11.11 : Remains of shops lie mangled after a devastating fire 41 other shops. destroyed the whole of Chandukhali Bazar in Barguna district, causing damage worth Tk 50 crore on April 15, 2011. Photo: STAR In another fire incident, three people were burnt to death on July 2, 2011 in a fire at a multi- entire bazar. On information, two fire fighting storey building at Sky Lark Point in Bijoynagar units from Barguna and Patuakhali district head- area of Dhaka (Fig.11.13). quarters rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze. The damage caused is estimated at Tk 50 crore. At least 10 people were injured and proper- ties worth around Tk 50 lakh was burnt in an- other fire on May 27, 2011at Bangabandhu Me- morial Hospital (BBMH) in Chittagong’s Khulshi area34. Fig 11.13 : Sky Lark Point at Bijoynagar in Dhaka. Fire ravaged the building on July 2, 2011 claiming three lives. Photo: STAR An electric short circuit caused the fire on the fourth floor of the hospital and soon one side The fire burnt the fifth, sixth and seventh of the floor was engulfed in flames. Panicked, floors of 12-storey Sky Lark Point at Bijoynagar patients, attendants, visitors and staff of the (Fig: 11.13). Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) hospital started coming out of the seven-sto- units from different parts of the capital rushed rey building in a rush and sustained injuries to the spot and doused the fire with their joint (Fig:11.12). efforts.

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burden on the nation. Another 20,600 people, in- cluding 17,000 children, die in river transport ac- cidents across the country every year.

Fig 11.14: Curious people looking at the multi-storied building Skylark Point in city's Bijaynagar area on July 2, 2011, where three people were burnt alive in a devastating fire (Photo: STAR)

In another major fire incident on November Fig 11.16 : A police van lies badly mangled after being hit by a speeding 22, 2011 in Lashma Fashion in Dhaka’s Uttara truck on Dhaka-Sylhet Highway in Narsingdi on January 15, 2011 (Photo: STAR) area, the fire that engulfed a sweater factory in Uttara was doused after around four-and-a-half On January 15, 2011, nine police person- hours’ effort by fire fighters36 (Fig.11.15). nel were killed as a truck rammed their van on Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Narsingdi37 (Fig:11.16). The accident occurred around 10:45 am leaving all the nine police personnel dead on the spot. The cops, who were from Belabo Police Station in Narsingdi, were on their way to Shibpur upazila to attend a briefing on the law and order. Presi- dent Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed a deep shock at the deaths and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved families. In another tragedy, a three-bus crash in thick fog killed nine people and injured 45 others in Pir- ganj upazila of Rangpur on January 20, 201138. The crash occurred at around 7:00 am when a Fig 11.15 : Fire fighters dousing an inferno that broke out at Lashma Fashion in Dhaka city's Uttara area on November 22, 2011 speeding bus of Uttar Banga Paribahan rammed (Photo : Bangla News 24.com) from behind a Dhaka-bound bus of FK Line on Road Accidents Bogra-Rangpur highway at Chat Sholagari. The FK As per a report of the Government of Bangla- Line bus had just pulled over to have an engine desh, around 18,500 people are being killed in glitch fixed. Within minutes, as locals were rescu- road accidents every year in Bangladesh that also ing the wounded, the third bus, which was bound leave about 400000 people maimed causing a to Dhaka, ploughed into the Uttar Banga coach.

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In another accident, ten persons were killed At least nine people were killed and 20 oth- and three others were injured in a road accident ers injured when a bus rammed into a human on the Dhaka–Khulna Highway at Bhanga in hauler at Parkola area at Shahjadpur upazila in Faridpur on February 4, 201139. The accident took Sirajganj on April 21, 201142. The human hauler, place at about 6:00pm on February 4, 2011 when locally known as Nosiman, fell into a roadside a minibus carrying the victims collided head-on ditch with 29 people aboard after the speeding with a tank lorry. bus hit it killing 6 people on the spot and injur- Thirteen people were killed and 45 oth- ing 23 others. Of the injured, three persons died ers injured in two train-bus collisions in Co- on the way to hospital. milla and Jessore on February 19, 201140. Dha- In another tragedy on 23 April 2011, a ka-bound Subarna Express from Chittagong launch MV Bipasha sank after colliding with a collided with a Comilla-bound bus .at a level stone-laden trawler that had already tipped crossing near Shashidal Rail Station in Brahman- over in the Meghna at Char Kakoria under Sarail para upazila, leaving eight dead and 25 others upazila of Brahmanbaria41 (Fig:11.18). injured (Fig.11.17 (a)). Meanwhile, five people died and 20 others sustained injuries in a train- bus collision at Rajarhat rail crossing in sadar upazila of Jessore while passing an unguarded level crossing at about 5:00am on the same day(Fig.11.17(b) ).

Fig:11.18:The wrecked bus after a truck from the opposite direction swiped it on Dhaka-Bogra highway near Noymile in Shahjahanpur of Bogra on 28 July, 2011 Photo: STAR

Eighteen people were killed and 21 others injured as a truck collided with a passenger bus in Shahjahanpur upazila of the district on July 28, 201143(Fig: 11.19). All the victims were passen- gers of the bus bound for Joypurhat. The driver while driving the vehicle lost control over the ve- hicle. The Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock at the deaths in the tragic road accident. She conveyed her profound sympathy to the be- Figures 11.17(a) & (b) : A minibus, (top), at Brahmanpara in Comilla gets reaved families and prayed for eternal peace of rammed by Subarna Express as it was going over a level crossing on 19 February 2011. On the same day, a couch, (above), collided with a train at the departed souls. In another road accident, at Rajarhat in Jessore while passing an unguarded level crossing. Photos: STAR least 16 people were killed and 50 others were

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injuries after they fell from the roof of a moving train on 04th November, 2011 (Fig: 11.21).

Fig11.19:The wrecked bus after a truck from the opposite direction swiped it on Dhaka-Bogra highway near Noymile in Shahjahanpur of Bogra on 28 July, 2011 Photo: STAR seriously injured when a luxury bus collided head-on with a local passenger bus at Amtola in BSCIC industrial area at Shibpur in Narsingdi on August 2, 201144. The accident happened as the Volvo bus driver lost control over the steering af- ter a tyre of the bus got punctured (Fig: 11.20). It was raining heavily when the accident occurred.

Fig 11.21 : A snap showing people travelling on the roofs of trains in Tangail and Bogra on November 4, 2011 Source: The Daily Star, Star Report

India

Road Accidents In a tragic incident which occurred in Anantapur distrtict on the New Year eve, a lorry coming Fig 11.20 : Remains of a Sylhet-bound luxury bus that was smashed from Kothacheruvu towards Puttaparthy in the after colliding head-on with a local bus on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway at Shibpur in Narsingdi on 02 August, 2011. At least 16 people were district hit an autorickshaw coming in the op- killed and 50 others injured. (Source: The Daily Star) posite direction resulting in the death of 11 per- Eight people died falling off the roof of run- sons on the spot on January 1, 201147 (Fig:11.22). ning trains in Tangail and Bogra on 04th Novem- Eleven of the fourteen persons travelling in the ber 201145. In Bogra, four people travelling on autorickshaw were killed on the spot while three Dinajpur-bound Ekota express fell off the roof sustained severe bleeding. In another road acci- and got hit against Halhaliya Bridge at Santahar dent, at least 22 people, including 7 women and of Adamdighi upazila around 2:00 am. In Tangail, six children, were killed and 19 injured when a four passengers died and three others sustained bus carrying businessmen and their families fell

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gorge in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kash- mir on March 15, 201148. The mishap occurred when the driver of the bus, which was on its way from Latti to Chenani, lost control over the vehi- cle and the vehicle skidded off the road and fell into the 330-feet deep gorge at Choka Nallah, about 125 kms from Jammu. Six persons died on the spot and five others succumbed on their way to hospital.

Fig 11.22 : The lorry which rammed an autorickshaw killing 11 people and injuring three others on Kothacheruvu road in Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh, India on 1st January, 2011( Source : The Hindu). into a gorge in Kuthalgate area near Dehradun on January 5, 2011. The mishap occurred when the bus, going to Haridwar from Mussoorie, skid- ded off the road and fell into 50-feet-deep gorge. Most of the victims died on the spot. In another incident, twenty-one people, including 19 wom- en, were killed and nine others were injured when a pick-up van in which they were travelling (Fig 11.23 : Policemen and villagers extricating bodies from the mangled remains of the bus at Yanamadala village in Guntur district in collided with a truck in Kuchera area in Rajasthan Andhra Pradesh, India on March 20, 2011 (Source : The Hindu) on February 14, 201148. The accident took place when they all were returning home in Luwari vil- Nine people travelling by a Guntur-bound lage of Jodhpur district after performing some APSRTC bus were killed while 20 others were rituals in Butati village. injured when it collided with a lorry and later Forty-three people, including 34 members of crashed into the cement boulders at Yanama- a marriage party, were killed in two accidents in dala village on the NH-5, about 10 km. from the remote Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh Guntur town on March 20, 201147. The impact of on March 3, 201147. A truck carrying the marriage the crash was severe and the road was strewn party veered off the Sohra-Sherpur road in the with broken pieces of glass and twisted metals Dalhousie sub-division in the early hours and (Fig: 11.23). The bus was reduced to a piece of plunged into a gorge, killing 34 people and in- mangled rubble. In another road accident, ten juring eight others. In the other incident, all nine persons, including three women, were killed and persons were killed when a pick-up van fell into at least 25 injured when a bus fell into a deep a gorge at Thala Sirhari village of the Bharmaur gorge near Koti, 25 km from Chamba, on April sub-division. 4, 201147. While eight persons died on the spot, Eleven persons were killed and 58 injured two succumbed to their injuries on the way to seven of them seriously, when an over-loaded the Hospital. The ill-fated bus was on its way mini bus skidded off the road and fell into a deep to Chamba from Bharara village. The bus went

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down at least 50 feet in the gorge when the driv- 11, 2011. In West Bengal, at least 12 people were er suddenly lost control as a portion of the road killed and 50 others were injured in a road acci- caved in. dent near Chhatna in Bunkura Distt on May 12, In another major accident in Guntur district 201149. The incident occurred when a passenger in Andhra Pradesh, 10 persons, including nine bus overturned following loss of control by the women, drowned when the tractor-trailer in driver on a road in Meghnath jungle in West Ben- which they were travelling plunged into the Na- gal's Bankura district. The driver of the bus was garjunasagar canal near Sattenapalli on April 25, among those killed. The injured passengers were 2011. All of them were agricultural workers be- rushed to Sammilani Medical College in Bankura longing to Vaddepalli and Sundarayya Colony in town. In another train and jeep collision in Mad- Sattenapalli town. The accident occurred around hubani district in Bihar on May 22, 2011, 21 peo- 7.45 a.m. when the vehicle hit the wall of a cul- ple were killed49. Among those killed include 11 vert while crossing it on the way to an agricul- women, nine children and the driver of the jeep. tural field. The driver lost control, causing the ve- The collision between the overcrowded jeep and hicle to plunge into the canal. Jay Nagar bound Garib Rath Express took place On May 9, 2011, in Karnataka, eleven labour- at an unmanned railway crossing near Mangar- ers, including eight women, were killed when a patti Railway halt. The impact of the accident was truck in which they were travelling collided with so severe that the jeep was dragged about half a a lorry in Koppal district. Nine others were also kilometer before the train stopped. severely injured48. In another incident, twelve la- In another ghastly road accident in Lux- bourers were killed, 10 of them on the spot and ettipet mandal of Adilabad district in Andhra two in hospital, and eight were injured when a Pradesh, six persons, including two children, trav- mini-goods vehicle in which they were travel- elling in a jeep lost their lives on May 25, 201147. ling collided with a lorry on National Highway Another dozen passengers of the ill-fated jeep 13 near Onabellary Cross, 30 km from Koppal, were severely injured after it rammed a station- on May 9, 201149. Nineteen people were killed ary lorry near Yellampalli village in Luxettipet and 62 others were injured in two separate road mandal. In another bizarre incident on the same mishaps in Rajasthan, on May 12, 201150. 11 men day, three persons succumbed to injuries and 17 were killed when a truck carrying a marriage others suffered serious injuries when the side party overturned in Dholpur district. The incident iron holds of a trailer-truck laden with iron gird- occurred near Arua-ka-Nala area when the vic- ers sliced through a passenger bus under the tims were returning to their native village Khedli Ramabhadrapuram Police Station limits. The pas- after attending a marriage function at a nearby sengers were travelling from Jeypore (Orissa) to village. Nine men died on the spot, while two Rajahmundry in a bus belonging to the Orissa others succumbed to injuries on way to a hospi- State Road Transport Corporation. tal. In another mishap, eight persons were killed Thirty-six people were killed and 17 oth- and 12 others injured in a collision between two ers injured in two road mishaps in Assam where cars in Pali district. The accident happened near a bus carrying a marriage party fell into a pond Bavra village when the cars collided head on May and an oil tanker caught fire on May 30, 2011. 31

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passengers, including 12 women, were killed and Mohanur in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu on six persons critically injured when a bus carry- June 15, 201147(Fig:11.24). The van was negotiat- ing a marriage party fell into a pond in Kamrup (Rural) district on May 30, 2011 night. The bus, carrying around 40 passengers from Guwahati to Dihu in Rangia sub-division of the district, fell into the 40 ft deep pond when a wooden bridge it was crossing gave in. The accident occurred at Rajabari on Hajo-Guwahati road. In the second accident, five persons were charred to death and 12 others injured when an oil tanker burst into flames in Badulipara in Golaghat district early on Fig 11.25 : The wreckage of the accident occurred near Heggare in Tumkur the morning of May 31, 2011. district in Karnataka, India on June 27, 2011 (Source : The Hindu) In another mishap, at least 18 pilgrims sleep- ing a blind curve when it collided with the lorry. ing near the roadside were killed and ten others Sixteen persons died and eight were severely injured after they were run over by a speeding injured when a Karnataka State Road Transport truck near Ahmedabad on June 8, 201148. The mis- Corporation (KSRTC) bus collided with a Tempo hap took place on the Dholka-Bagodara High- Trax near Heggare in Tumkur district in Karna- way when a group of people were sleeping near taka on June 27, 201147(Fig: 1125). The accident a road side `dhaba' (eatery) at Beghwa crossroad. occurred on National Highway 206, in front of The truck lost control and ran over them. Sixteen Gangadharaiah Memorial Hall, around 12.30 p.m. persons, including nine women, were killed on While 15 people died on the spot, one died on the way to hospital.

Rail Accidents Ten persons were killed and over 40 were in- jured in three train accidents at three different places in Uttar Pradesh on January 1, 2011, even as dense fog played havoc with rail, road and air traffic47. The accidents, in a span of three hours, involved five express trains. All casualties oc- curred at the Panki station near Kanpur when the Fig 11.24 : The remains of the van which was involved in a collision with Bhiwani-Gorakhpur Gorakhdam Express rammed a truck near Mohanur in Namakkal district in Tamil Nadu, India on June 15, 2011 (Source : The Hindu) . the stationary New-Delhi-Prayagraj Express from the rear at around 9 a.m. The victims were in the the spot while two others died in hospital. last two unreserved compartments of the Alla- Eleven persons, including eight women, were habad-bound train. The guard was also killed in killed when the van in which they were travelling the mishap. Earlier in the day, the Delhi-Sitama- collided with a lorry at Rasipalayam village near rhi Lichchavi Express rammed the stationary

| 125 | IntroductionMan-made Disasters

Magadh Express near the Sarai Bhopat station 201147. The chopper was flying to Tawang from in district at 8.15 a.m on January 1, 2011 the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (Fig: 11.26). Airport in Guwahati and had taken off at 12.45 p.m. It caught fire, broke into pieces and crashed into a gorge close to the helipad around 13.57 p.m. Two crew members and four passengers survived with grievous injuries .The villagers as- sisted Army personnel in under taking rescue op- erations (Fig: 11.28).

(Fig 11.26: The mangled coaches of the Delhi-Islampur after the Bihar-bound Lichchavi Express rammed it at Sarai Bhopat in Uttar Pradesh in India Source : The Hindu ). In another incident, 14 youths, travelling atop a train, were killed when they hit against an over- head bridge near the Rosa station in Shahjahan- pur district of Uttar Pradesh on 1 February 2011. The victims were returning from Bareilly by the Jammu Tawi-Howrah Himgiri Express, after a re- cruitment test for tradesmen in the Indo-Tibetan (Fig 11.28: Army personnel and villagers having a look at the remains of a Pawan Hans helicopter which crashed in Tawang, Arunachal Border Police (ITBP) (Fig: 11.27). Pradesh, India on April 19, 2011 (Source : The Hindu).

At least 66 persons, including ministers, legis- lators, senior government officials and pilots, were killed in air crashes in the North East dur- ing the past one decade. Of the 66 killed in plane and helicopter crashes at least 47 were killed in Arunachal Pradesh alone. The air crashes had oc- curred due to high altitude terrain in the region, inclement weather conditions and mechanical Fig 11.27: ITBP job aspirants, returning from Bareilly by an overcrowded train, at the Budaun station in India on February 1, 2011 Source : The Hindu. defects owing to lack of proper maintenance of the air craft. Air Accidents In one of the worst helicopter crashes in Stampedes Arunachal Pradesh, 17 persons, including three A stampede is a sudden rush of a congregated, crew members were killed and six injured when active or polarized aggregate of people, resulting a Pawan Hans MI-17 copter caught fire and in many injuries and death from suffocation and plunged into a gorge in Tawang city on April 19, trampling. The two major behavioural reasons of

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any stampede are anxiety and panic. Most of the tional Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was sent stampede disasters can be prevented by simple to the scene. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also crowd management strategies. announced 1,00,000 to the family of each vic- On January 14, 2011, many pilgrims gath- tim from Tamil Nadu. Keeping the fact of Sabari- ered to attend the Makarjyothi darshan, on the mala tragedy which left over 102 pilgrims dead last day of a yearly festival which attracted mil- in a stampede, a cautious Kerala government lions of devotees, at a Hindu shrine in Pamba came up with a new footpath, a bridge and a at sabarimala in the Pattanamthitta district of slew of measures to decongest the route lead- Kerala, India. After witnessing the Makarajyothi ing to the Sabarimala temple. It was also decid- at Pamba, the pilgrims were returning and on ed that an integrated security and safety plan their way back at around 8 p.m, the stampede involving police, rapid action force and disas- incident happened, killing 102 pilgrims and in- ter management contingents would be put in juring at least 100 more. The tragedy occurred place during the two-month long pilgrimage when an auto and jeep overturned. Both the season of Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. Apart vehicles were filled with the devotees. Initially, from strengthening intelligence gathering, the fully packed auto overturned after it lost trained commandos, bomb detection squads, control. While the pilgrims were trying to lift disaster management units and RAF contin- the auto, the jeep rammed, triggering the stam- gents would be deployed at the base camp pede, which resulted in killing of 102 piligrims. Pampa, ''Sannidhanam'' atop the hill shrine and The autopsy report also suggested that most other places connected with the event. of the pilgrims died of injuries to their internal organs due to the stampede.The Kerala Chief Fire Minister announced a judicial inquiry into the The year 2011 witnessed a major fire accident in stampede that claimed the lives of 102 Sabari- AMRI Hospital which was located in a posh area mala pilgrims. He also announced a solatium in Kolkata. AMRI hospital is a center for training of Rs five lakh for the families of each ofthe the students of Institute of Radiology & Medi- victims. The seriously injured were given Rs cal Imaging and is ISO 9001:2000 certified. It is a 50,000($1,100 USD) and those with minor in- multistoried private hospital which turned into a juries Rs 25,000 ($550 USD) each. He also re- towering inferno in the early hours of the morn- viewed with cabinet colleagues on the spot ar- ing when a fire broke out in the AMRI hospital in rangements to transport the bodies as most of Kolkata on December 9, 2011(Fig: 11.29). The fire the deceased were from neighbouring states of spread fast from the basement of the hospital, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The engulfing one ward after the other and trapping state of Kerala declared three days of mourning. hundreds of people. Prime minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh The fire was first noticed by local residents at offered condolences for the deaths and an- around 3.30 a.m. who rushed to the gates but nounced a compensation of 100,000 ($2,200 were stopped by security guards. The hospital USD) to the next of kin of the dead and 50,000 authorities reported to the fire station after an ($1,100 USD) for those injured. A team of Na- hour or so. Firemen, who reached at 4.30 a.m.

| 127 | IntroductionMan-made Disasters

broke through the double-paned glass façade of fighters collapsed unable to cope with the the hospital and rescued a few lucky survivors. smoke (Fig: 11.30). The Chief Minister of West Around 25 fire engines were rushed to the spot. Bengal, Ms Mamata Banerjee, who also holds The fire fighters used hydraulic ladders to rescue the health portfolio, cancelled the license of the patients and office staffs by cutting open the the hospital immediately. A judicial investiga- glasses with gas cutters. Many patients were low- tion into the entire catastrophic incident was ered down from the upper floors in safety har- ordered. Six members of the hospital board nesses attached to ropes; others were wheeled were arrested on charges of culpable homicide out on stretchers. But by then, it was too late for and negligence. An exgratia grant at the rate a majority of the 150 patients admitted at AMRI. of Rs 3 lakh was provided to the next of kin of The fire was the result of an electrical short cir- the deceased in the AMRI hospital fire by the cuit in the basement car park, which was used for government of West Bengal. A sum of Rs 1.5 storing combustible material like LPG cylinders, lakh was paid from the State Disaster Response engine oil, PVC pipes, bedding, etc. The fire didn’t Fund and an equal amount was paid from the spread at all and was confined to the basement. State budget for the purpose. At the central But the thick black smoke went up through the level, the Prime Minister sanctioned an ex- AC ducts and carried it through the rooms of gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the and the corridors of the seven-storeyed hospital deceased and Rs 50,000 each to those injured located in a densely-populated area. from the PM’s relief fund.

Fig 11.29: Photograph showing fire in the AMRI hospital in Kolkata, India Fig 11.30 (a) & (b) :Photographs showing aggrieved relatives of the deceased of the AMRI hospital fire breakout in Kolkata, India The fire killed 91 patients including three (Source: The Hindu). hospital staffers in the incident. While many pa- Maldives tients died of burns, most died due to suffoca- A house named ‘Fair’ in Maafannu ward was tion caused by carbon monoxide accumulation severely damaged in a fire incident on March all over the building. Critical patients trapped 9, 2011. Households and valuables were dam- inside the smoke-filled ICU were the biggest aged in the incident. In another fire incident, casualties. In a desperate bid to rescue them, two persons were killed on March 20, 201146. windows were broken, locals rushed in, as fire- The fire had originated in the kitchen of Hen-

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veiru Orchid, the house in which the two vic- tims were trapped. After the fire broke out, firefighters from the MNDF, who were the first to arrive on the scene, managed to douse the flames, but were unable to control the blaze that was enveloping Orchid house. After ini- tial attempts to enter the house failed, a new group of MNDF firemen managed to force their way inside and retrieved the bodies of the two victims (Fig:11.31). Later in the day, Maldivian President, Mohamed Nasheed, visited Henvei- Fig 11.32 : Firefighters of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) rescue the person trapped inside Maafannu Piyajige after fire broke out ru Orchid to inspect the damage wrought by at a ground floor room of the house on September 12, 2011. the inferno. After meeting the members of the (Source: HAVEERU News) grieved family President Nasheed expressed Road Accidents his deep sympathy. On May 10, 2011, three people were injured in a dangerous road accident involving 3 motor cy- cles and a car on Addu Link Road. On June 21, a speeding car, while trying to overtake a cycle, col- lided with the cycle on Addu Link Road, sending the cycle and its occupants crashing on to the asphalt causing serious injuries. Simultaneously, the collision sent the car rolling over several feet, seriously injuring the driver and rendering the vehicle unusable.

Nepal Fig 11.31 : The two dead bodies retrieved from Henveiru Orchidge in Maldives being taken to the ambulance on 20 March 2011. Air Accidents (Source: HAVEERU News) In Nepal, a small plane carrying foreign tour- In another incident, a fire broke out on July 10, ists crashed in a hill south of Kathmandu air- 2011 in an apartment on the fourth floor of port early on, September 25, 2011, killing all 19 Galolhu Feeroz Lodge causing damage to the people aboard including the crew members51 premises owned by Donad Garment Factory. In (Fig: 11.33). The accident site, Kotdanda, lies another incident, fire broke out on September between Lamatar and Bisankhunarayan VDCs 12, 2011 at a house located near the Maafannu in Lalitpur, around 15 kilometers south of the Piyajige, Buru, leaving a person in a serious condi- Tribhuvan International Airport. The ill-fated tion46. Firefighters of Maldives National Defence flight was approaching Kathmandu airport in Force (MNDF) rescued the person trapped inside cloudy weather after completing its mountain the house (Fig: 11.32) flight.

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fice of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). A suicide bomber killed 43 people and wounded 52 others in an attack on a funeral prayer in Ad- ezai village near Peshawar on March 9, 2011. The bomber blew himself up soon after the prayers had begun. In another incident, at least 32 peo- ple were killed in a suicide bombing in a market in Peshawar late on June 11, 2011. Ninety-five people were also wounded54. The bombing took

Fig 11.33 :Wreckages of an air craft that crashed on September place near a building which houses several news- 25, 2011at Kotdanda around 15 kilometers south of the Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal (Source: The Kantipur News) paper offices as well as apartments and across the street only about 100 yards from army hous- Pakistan ing units. In another blast at a hotel on the Na- Bomb Blasts tional Highway close to Dera Allah Yar in Quetta At least 35 security personne were killed and 54 killed 15 people and injured 23 others on August seriously injured when a suicide bomber blew 14, 201154. The blast destroyed the double-storey himself up in the parade ground at Punjab Regi- building of the hotel and reduced it to rubble. ment Centre (PRC) area in Mardan, District on The explosion rocked the town and caused panic January 13, 2011. A 16 year old suicide bomber among its residents. The attack also wounded 23 in a student's uniform entered the ground from other people. the western side to PRC centre with other chil- dren and reached the parade ground located near Officers Mess where Jawans in large num- ber were busy in their routine drill and other ex- ercises. The suicide bomber blew himself up with a huge bang. As a result 35 security forces jawans were martyred and 54 got injured in which 20 were seriously injured. In another incident on January 21, 2011, at least 20 persons, including five Police and Frontier Constabulary person- nel, were killed and 15 others sustained injuries Fig11.34 :A blast victim being shifted to a hospital in Sherabaz Madokhel when a vehicle loaded with explosives rammed in Ghundai area on August 19, 2011 (Source: The Frontier Post) into the Miryan police station. Six security of- ficials were also severely injured in the explo- More than 50 persons, including women sion. In another incident at Lahore, a massive car and children, were killed and over 100 others in- bomb blast ripped through a gas station in Fais- jured when a suicide bomber struck at a mosque alabad on March 8, 2011, killing at least 32 peo- in Jamrud on August 19, 201152. The blast took ple and wounding 125 others53. The explosion place at Jamia Masjid Madina in Sherabaz also damaged nearby buildings, including an of- Madokhel in Ghundai area of Tehsil Jamrud, Khy-

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ber Agency (Fig: 11.34). Hundreds of people were which they were travelling collided head on with offering Friday prayers inside the mosque when a lorry in the Colombo- Kandy main road. All the the explosion took place. Immediately after the victims were admitted to the Kegalle General blast, rescue teams and law enforcement agen- Hospital but succumbed to their injuries. The vic- cies personnel rushed to the spot and retrieved tims are residents of Pallemorugama and Buth- the injured and bodies from under the collapsed gamuwa. In an another collision incident, five roof of the mosque. persons died and 27 others were injured when a A car bombing targeting the house of a van transporting staff of a garment factory, col- politician in southwestern Pakistan had killed at lided head on with a private bus at Kiribathkum- least 15 people and injured 23 others in the city bura on the Colombo-Kandy main road on July of Quetta on December 30, 2011. The explosion 16, 201157. The bus was travelling from Matale to caused damage to nearby homes and cars and Colombo when it collided with the van carrying set several shops on fire. Thousands of people staff of a garment factory from Hemmathagama were killed in bombings and other militant at- to Kandy. The driver of the van was among those tacks over the past few years in Pakistan, and sev- who died. eral thousands more were displaced. In Quetta, at least 19 miners were killed References: and more than 34 others were trapped when a 1. Tolo News coalmine in Sorang area collapsed due to pow- 2. Daily Outlook Afghanistan, KANDAHAR CITY erful explosions resulted from accumulation of (Pajhwok) deadly methane gas, about 25 kilometers from 3. Press TV, Kunduz the provincial capital Quetta on March 21, 201155. 4. Press TV 5. Daily Outlook Afghanistan, KABUL Sri Lanka 6. Daily Times, Kabul Road Accidents 7. Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN) SHARAN At least six persons were killed and eight oth- 8. PAN by Mirwais Himmat (GHAZNI CITY) ers injured when a passenger bus bashed into 9. PAN (GARDEZ) by Daud Tapan a van proceeding from Kuruwita to Colombo at 10. PAN (PUL-I-ALAM) Ihala Kosgama on the Avissawella-Colombo road 11. Daily Times, Khost on January 13, 201156. The passengers in the van 12. VOA News were returning after attending a funeral and the 13. PAN bus was bound to Colombo from Walasmulla. In 14. PAN (HERAT CITY/ KABUL) by Pajhwok Report another accident, at least three passengers were 15. Pajhwok Afghan News, Parwan killed and 40 others injured when a private bus 16. Dawn News, Kabul plying from Passara to Miyanakadura plunged 17. PAN (KHOST CITY) down a 300-feet precipice at Namunukula area 18. Daily Outlook Afghanistan, JALALABAD (Pajhwok) on March 25, 2011. In another incident, seven 19. PAN persons were killed while ten others were injured 20. PAN (JALALABAD) in Warakapola, on May 23, 2011, when the van in 21. Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN) MAZAR-I-SHARIF

| 131 | IntroductionMan-made Disasters

22. Daily Outlook Afghanistan, ASADABAD (Pajhwok) 40. The Daily Star, Star Report 23. Daily Outlook, Herat 41. The Daily Star, Brahmanbaria 24. PAN KANDAHAR CITY 42. The New Nation, Sirajganj 25. Bakhtar News Agency 43. The Daily Star, Bogra 26. Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN) HERAT CITY 44. The Daily Star, Narsingdi 27. PAN (Kabul) 45. The Daily Star, Star Report 28. The Frontier Post, KANDAHAR (APP) 46. Haveeru News 29. PAN (PUL-I-KHUMRI) 47. The Hindu 30. Tolo News, Helmand 48. DD News 31. The Daily Star 49. News on air 32. The Daily Star, Thakurgaon 50. Press Trust of India 33. The Daily Star, Pabna 51. The Kantipur News 34. The Daily Star, Patuakhali 52. The Frontier Post, Mardan 35. The Daily Star, Gobindaganj 53. Daily Times, Faisalabad 36. New Age, Bdnews24.com, Dhaka 54. Daily Times, Peshawar 37. The Daily Star, 55. Daily Times, Quetta 38. The Daily Star, Gaibandha 56. Daily Mirror 39. New Age, 57. Daily News, Kiribathkumbura

| 132 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Chapter 12 Conclusion

The SAARC Disaster Management Centre is pub- been collected and analysed to document the lishing the South Asia Disaster Report annually pattern and frequency of disasters in these coun- since 2007 onwards. This report documents the tries. The important sources include the global relevant information about all the disasters, nat- Emergency Disaster Database (EMDAT) main- ural as well as man-made, in the South Asia re- tained by the Centre for Research on Epidemiol- gion. The earlier annual reports generated by the ogy of Disasters (CRED), the Global Disaster Alert Centre for the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and Coordination System (GDAC); the database have evoked overwhelming response from many of the United States Geological Surveys (USGS), quarters. The present South Asia Disaster Report, Afghanistan National Disaster Authority (AND- 2011 documents the geological, hydro-meteoro- MA), Bangladesh Meteorological Department logical, biological and man-made disasters that (BMD), Disaster Management Bureau (DMB) were witnessed in all the eight SAARC countries Bangladesh, Bhutan Geological Survey (BGS), i.e., Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Mal- Geological Survey of India (GSI), India Meteoro- dives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the logical Department (IMD), India Disaster Report year 2011 (i.e., from 01 January to 31 December, Department of Meteorology, Maldives; Nepal 2011). Seismological Centre (NSC), Geological Survey of The report analyzes the trends of disasters in Pakistan (GSP), Pakistan Meteorological Depart- the SAARC region, their impacts and assessment ment (PMD), and Department of Meteorology, of damage and loss of lives, property and infra- Sri Lanka. The national focal points of SDMC were structure. It also discusses the manner in which consulted for authentic information on the disas- response to the disasters was organized in these ters in respective countries. Because of inherent countries at the local, regional, provincial and na- limitations of international data agencies in re- tional levels, and the necessary steps taken for re- porting the country-based disaster information, covery and reconstruction and for mitigation of SDMC developed its own database generated disaster risks, and the challenges and constraints from an extensive daily survey and analysis of a faced for the holistic management of disasters in large number of newspapers published from the the region. region, which generated a wealth of extremely The data used for this publication is from valuable information on disasters in the region to many sources. Daily reports of disasters in the supplement the existing database. The SAARC Di- member countries of SAARC have been meticu- saster Management Centre has now established lously collected by the SAARC Disaster Manage- a mechanism of documenting disasters on a dai- ment Centre from the published and electronic ly basis. It is primarily based on media reporting. media reports and the essential information have Aggregating daily reports, the Centre is already

| 133 | Introduction Conclusion

publishing its weekly disaster update which is cal organizations and various global sources, as posted on its website. The Centre is also pub- detailed in the appendices on different disaster lishing a quarterly news letter i.e., SDMC Informs themes. which also gives relevant information of all the It is hoped that the information and analysis important disaster events occurred in the SAARC in the report will be extremely useful and gen- region. erate interest among the researchers, disaster This report is a sincere effort to develop a managers, scientists, engineers, policy makers, comprehensive disaster data bank on different administrators, relief and rehabilitation agencies, disaster themes by compiling data available from civil society organizations and other national and different primary sources in the national govern- international organizations. ments, regional agencies, scientific and techni-

| 134 | Appendix Introduction - - - - -

16 92 Epidemic Total Land slides - - - 115 - - - 121 ------250 ------121 - - - 755 ------1470 - - - 9700 ------325000 ------waves and cold and cold ------32 51 110 755 948 9700 12810 - - - 1762815 1060273 - - - 1060273 1069973 - - - 1394973 1570559 102000 - - 1672680 Homeless in number Total affected in numbers affected Total ------Appendix I-A Appendix ------South Asia Disaster Profile South Disaster Asia ------1750000 - 16 89 ------5 5 50 200 41 121 - 217 305 121 - 250000 75000 - 250000 75000 - Cyclone Earthquake Drought Avalanche Flood Heat Disaster Disaster Event>>> Country Country in number Injured Afghanistan Bangladesh Bhutan India Maldives Nepal Pakistan Sri Lanka Total Country Afghanistan Bangladesh Bhutan India Maldives Nepal Pakistan Sri Lanka Total Country Afghanistan Bangladesh

| 136 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 - - - - 2 4 Epidemic Total Land slides - - - 20016 - - 1289 1289 - 3 - 110 - 1 ------375625 ------4 7 - 521 24 167 278 62 25 - 110 42 63 - 222 waves and cold and cold ------62 10 65 608 212 32 - 1070 104 509 1858 25000 - - 194807 1358 316 155 171 2317 500000 - - - 500000 5400755 - - - 5401755 1293924 - - 26343 1355308 1654000 - - - 1796000 2500000 - - - 2500000 4654000 - - - 5171625 12004069 - - - 12829319 20283975 127000 - 27632 23237989 Killed in number ------6 3 24 33 Estimated Damage(US$x1000) Estimated ------142000 ------1 7 2 - 20016 - - -- 167949 1000 ------21 13 22 106 112 162 122 35041 - 250050 575200 - 285217 764165 1750000 - 375625 - 375625 - Cyclone Earthquake Drought Avalanche Flood Heat Disaster Disaster Event>>> Bhutan India Maldives Nepal Pakistan Sri Lanka Country Afghanistan Total Bangladesh Bhutan India Maldives Nepal Pakistan Sri Lanka Total Country Afghanistan Bangladesh Bhutan India Maldives Nepal Pakistan Sri Lanka Total

| 137 | Introduction 43 468 1190 1701 Total Killd Total People killed in Man Made Disaster People Source: Emdat accessed on 27 Feb2012 & Media Report SDMC on 27 Feb2012 accessed Emdat Source: 2011 Industrial accidents Miscellaneous accident Accident Transport Total Sl. No. Sl. 1. 2. 3.

| 138 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Est. Damage Damage Est. (US$ Million) (US$ Million) 1750000 142 Affected 1/5/2011 8/5/2011 37 9745 4/4/2011 4/4/2011 13 121 10/2/2011 16/02/2011 25 3065 10/2/2011 14/02/2011 21 5 18/09/2011 18/09/2011 1 20016 18/09/2011 18/09/2011 112 575200 21/07/2011 29/07/2011 10 1570559 India Bhutan Banglaesh Afghanistan Type starting Date Ending Date Killed Tot. Flood Flood Appendix-I-B Storm Storm activity) activity) Earthquake (seismic Extreme temperature 16/12/2011Extreme temperature 31/12/2011 1/1/2011 132 18/01/2011 80 Extreme temperature 13/12/2011Extreme temperature 18/12/2011 7/1/2011 12 20/02/2011 2000 50 100000 South Asia Disaster Events 2011 Events South Disaster Asia ... Ha ... We ... We Pra ... Pra Rang ... Isbwa ... Isbwa Baghlan Location Location 1 Bangladesh South and South North, 1. Bhutan region Pero-Thimphu Earthquake (seismic 1.2. India3. India Biha Bengal, West Sikkim, India Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad, Delhi; New 2. Afghanistan 3. Afghanistan Herat Western 5. Bangladesh Mymensingh, Sherpur, 1. Afghanistan... Takhar, Samangan, Balkh, Drought 00/01/2011 00/08/2011 4. Afghanistan2. Daykundi Bangladesh Gaibandha, Barguna, 4. Bangladesh city Chittagong Wet Mass Movement 4/7/2011 4/7/2011 17 3. Bangladesh Je ... Satkhira, Bazar, Cox's Flood S.I.No Country

| 139 | Introduction 20 0.123 Est. Damage Damage Est. (US$ Million) (US$ Million) 25000 Affected 2/7/2011 19/07/2011 15 5/9/2011 15/09/2011 42 2100000 432 10/8/2011 13/09/2011 47 700000 275 18/01/2011 18/01/2011 2 1000 00/06/2011 00/07/2011 89 1858 15/06/2011 16/07/2011 50 23/07/2011 9/8/2011 19 200000 15/08/2011 2/10/201115/08/2011 204 8/9/2011 5549080 7 11000 18/09/2011 18/09/2011 7 167949 23/09/2011 23/10/2011 239 3443989 930 20/05/2011 20/05/2011 42 50 15/04/201129/12/2011 15/04/2011 30/12/2011 17 47 250000 375.625 Nepal Pakistan Maldives Type starting Date Ending Date Killed Tot. Flood Flood Flood Flood Flood Flood Flood Storm Storm Storm activity) activity) Epidemic 00/06/2011 28/06/2011 4 1289 Earthquake (seismic Mass Movement Wet Mass Movement 20/07/2011 20/07/2011 13 Extreme temperature 00/12/2011 00/01/2012 ...... Bal ... (Ta ... jung, ... jung, Location Location Orissa state Balochistan Earthquake (seismic Uttar Pradesh Karnataka state 1. Pakistan 7. Nepal Rukum (Nuwakot)Wet Mass Movement 15/07/2011 15/07/2011 16 6. Nepal 5. Nepal district Accham 5. India 6. India Gonda, Uttar Pradesh; 4. Nepal regio Western Mid and Far 4. India Uttarakhan Uttar pradesh, 7.8. India Chirang Barpeta, India Anglong, Demaji district ... (Eastern Flood 2.3. Nepal Nepal Bhojp ... Parbat, Kapilvastu, Extreme temperature Panchtha Ilam, Taplejung, 11/1/2011 19/01/2011 42 9. India ... Bargarh, Basalore, Angul, Flood 1. NepalTaple- Sankhuwasabha, 1. Maldives 12 India Pondichéry Cuddalore, 10 India Bengal states West 13. India 11. India S.I.No Country

| 140 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Est. Damage Damage Est. (US$ Million) (US$ Million) 8600 Affected 1/2/2011 10/2/2011 18 225000 300 5/1/2011 18/01/2011 47 1060324 200 12/8/2011 1/11/2011 509 5400755 2500 24/11/2011 27/11/2011 22 35041 29/05/2011 29/05/2011 Sri LankaSri Type starting Date Ending Date Killed Tot. Flood Storm Epidemic 00/01/2011 2/12/2011 167 26343 ... South Location Location Source: Emergency Database(EM-DAT)Centre for research on Epidemiology of Disaster(CRED),Belgium Accessed on September-3,2012.Data version :v12.07 on September-3,2012.Data version of Disaster(CRED),Belgium on Epidemiology Accessed research for Emergency Database(EM-DAT)Centre Source: 2. Pakistan Tando Mirpurkhas, Badin, 1. Sri Lanka province Western 2. Sri Lanka ... Gampaha, Galle, Kegalle, Flood 3. Sri Lanka ... Batticaloa province; Uva Flood 4.5. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka ... Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Flood S.I.No Country

| 141 | Introduction (US$ Million) (US$ Million) 4/4/2011 4/4/2011 13 121 10/2/2011 14/02/2011 21 5 20/05/2011 20/05/2011 42 50 24/11/2011 27/11/2011 22 35041 15/04/2011 15/04/2011 17 29/12/2011 30/12/2011 47 250000 375.625 India Sri LankaSri Bangladesh Afghanistan Appendix-II Thane Name Starting Date ending date Killed Affected Tot. Damage Est. Storm Storm Cyclone ter Type Type ter Storms in South Asia2011 Storms South Storm Rang ... chéry (Ta ... ource- Emergency Database(EM-DAT)Centre for research on Epidemiology of Disaster(CRED),Belgium Accessed on September-3,2012.Data version :v12.07 on September-3,2012.Data version of Disaster(CRED),Belgium on Epidemiology Accessed research for Emergency Database(EM-DAT)Centre ource- S 1 Sri Lanka 12 India India Karnataka state Pondi- Cuddalore, Storm 1 Bangladesh Mymensingh, Sherpur, 3 India Uttar Pradesh Storm 1 Afghanistan Daykundi Storm SI.No. Country Location Disas-

| 142 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 20 (US$ Million) (US$ Million) 8600 India Nepal Pakistan Sri LankaSri Bangladesh Afghanistan Appendix-III Appendix-III Type Type Starting Date Ending Date Killed Affected Tot. Damage Est. Flood 5/9/2011 15/09/2011 42 2100000 432 Flood 1/5/2011 8/5/2011 37 9745 Flood in South Asia2011 Flood Baghlan Location Location Orissa state Accham districtAccham Flood 2/7/2011 19/07/2011 15 West Bengal statesWest Flood 10/8/2011 13/09/2011 47 700000 275 Source: Emergency Database(EM-DAT)Centre for research on Epidemiology of Disaster(CRED),Belgium Accessed on September-3,2012.Data version :v12.07 on September-3,2012.Data version of Disaster(CRED),Belgium on Epidemiology Accessed research for Emergency Database(EM-DAT)Centre Source: 2 India 3 India7 Bal ... Gonda, Uttar Pradesh; Flood India 23/07/2011 9/8/2011 19 200000 1 Afghanistan 2 Afghanistan11 Bangladesh Herat Western Je ... Satkhira, Bazar, Cox's India Flood Flood Uttarakhan 21/07/2011 ... Uttar pradesh, 10/2/2011 29/07/2011 Flood 16/02/2011 10 15/06/2011 25 16/07/2011 1570559 50 3065 12 Nepal1 Nepal ... regio Western Mid and Far 1 Pakistan2 Flood3 ...Tando Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sri Lanka 00/06/2011 Sri Lanka Flood ... 00/07/2011 Gampaha, Galle, Kegalle, Sri Lanka ... Batticaloa province; Uva 12/8/2011 89 Flood ... Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Flood 1/11/2011 29/05/2011 Flood 1858 509 29/05/2011 1/2/2011 5/1/2011 10/2/2011 5400755 18/01/2011 18 47 2500 225000 1060324 300 200 46 India India ... Chirang Barpeta, Anglong, Flood ... Bargarh, Basalore, Angul, 15/08/2011 Flood 2/10/2011 23/09/2011 204 23/10/2011 5549080 239 3443989 930 5 India Demaji district ... (Eastern Flood 15/08/2011 8/9/2011 7 11000 S.I No Country

| 143 | Introduction 0.123 Est. Damage Damage Est. (US$ Million) (US$ Million) :v12.07 25000 Affected Affected Date Ending Ending Date Killed Tot. Starting India Nepal Bangladesh Sub Type Type Sub Date Cold waveCold 13/12/2011 18/12/2011 12 2000 Cold waveCold 7/1/2011 20/02/2011 50 100000 Cold waveCold 16/12/2011 31/12/2011 132 Cold waveCold 00/12/2011 00/01/2012 Cold waveCold 1/1/2011 waveCold 18/01/2011 11/1/2011 80 19/01/2011 42 Appendix-IV Type Type perature perature perature perature perature perature Extreme tem- Extreme tem- Extreme tem- Extreme tem- Extreme tem- Extreme tem- Ha ... Pra ... Pra tha ... Isbwa ... Isbwa Bhojp ... Cold and Heat waves in South Asia2011 waves and Heat Cold South We … We South Source- Emergency Database(EM-DAT)Centre for research on Epidemiology of Disaster(CRED),Belgium Accessed on September-3,2012.Data version on September-3,2012.Data version on Epidemiology of Disaster(CRED),Belgium Accessed for research EmergencySource- Database(EM-DAT)Centre 1 Bangladesh South and North, 2 Bangladesh Gaibandha, Barguna, 1 India Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, 2 Nepal Panch- Ilam, Taplejung, 2 India Allahabad, Delhi; New 1 Nepal Parbat, Kapilvastu, S.I.No. Country Location Disaster

| 144 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 5 M 109 km Nangarhar Province 5.8 M 196 km Badakhshan Province 4.5 M 182 km Badakhshan Province 4.8 M 181 km Badakhshan Province 4.6 M 143 km Badakhshan Province 4.9 M 238 km Badakhshan Province 4.8 M 211 km Badakhshan Province 5.9 M 207 km Badakhshan Province 4.8 M 237 km Badakhshan Province 4.6 M 168 km Province Takhar 4.8 M4.9 M5.2 M 75 km4.7 M 10 km Badakhshan Province 31 km Province Takhar 114 km Province Takhar Badakhshan Province 4.8 M 117 km Badakhshan Province 5.4 M 199 km Badakhshan Province 4.9 M5.5 M4.9 M 137 km 219 km Region. Hindu Kush 95 km Badakhshan Province Region. Hindu Kush 4.6 M4.6 M 202 km 24 km Badakhshan Province Province Konduz 4.9 M4.6 M4.6 M 178 km 201 km Badakhshan Province 121 km Badakhshan Province Badakhshan Province Afghanistan Appendix-VA 69.4 70.9 70.8 70.92 71.47 70.92 70.58 70.93 70.97 70.74 71.15 69.49 71.23 69.84 71.08 71.61 70.69 71.17 71.06 71.32 70.72 70.74 68.51 71.57 34.5 36.51 36.75 36.51 36.46 36.57 36.63 36.44 36.54 36.18 36.47 36.63 36.35 36.35 36.47 36.44 36.55 36.45 36.43 36.38 36.62 36.42 36.51 36.37 As recorded by Global Disaster Alert Global Disaster System(GDAC&NSC) by and coordination recorded As Earthquake events in South 2011 Asia Earthquake events 67 7/11/2011 3/11/2011 89 31/10/2011 4/10/2011 1 234 26/12/2011 21/12/2011 18/12/2011 5. 12/12/2011 25 21/03/2011 24 29/03/2011 23 1/4/2011 22 21/04/2011 21 13/05/2011 20 14/05/2011 19 14/05/2011 18 17/05/2011 17 27/07/2011 131415 23/08/2011 16 19/08/2011 17/08/2011 6/8/2011 12 24/08/2011 11 26/08/2011 10 30/08/2011 S.I No Date Latitude(North) Longitude(East) Magnitude Depth Earthquake Felt Location/

| 145 | Introduction 5 M 49 km Baghlan Province 5 M 15 km Gujarat. 5 M 38 km Islands Andaman 4.5 M4.8 M4.5 M 87 km 36 km Badakhshan Province 37 km Province Konduz Baghlan Province 4.7 M 32 km Province Islands and Nicobar Andaman 4.5 M4.2 M 190 km 154 km Badakhshan Province Badakhshan Province 4.8 M 52 km Islands Nicobar 4.5 M 106 km Badakhshan Province 4.8 M5.4 M 46 km 38 km Islands Nicobar Islands and Nicobar Andaman 4.7 M 204 km Badakhshan Province 4.4 M 69 km Myanmar 5.1 M 35 km4.6 M Islands and Nicobar Andaman 4.8 M5.1 M 20 km4.7 M 20 km4.9 M Sikkim 41 km Sikkim 35 km4.8 M Kashmir-india Region Border 13 km5.6 M Islands Nicobar 4.8 M Uttaranchal 30 km5.3 M 35 km Islands Nicobar 27 km Islands Nicobar 23 km Islands Andaman Islands Nicobar 4.3 M 232 km Badakhshan Province 5.5 M4.8 M 4 km 129 km Islands Nicobar Islands Andaman India 94 70.5 71.37 68.63 68.77 68.97 92.97 70.37 71.05 94.04 71.45 93.97 94.08 70.54 88.23 88.39 76.83 92.51 79.35 92.89 91.91 92.52 92.43 92.39 94.06 71.19 93.88 93.56 7.19 7.72 7.76 7.79 9.63 7.57 9.65 8.63 7.87 7.81 36.46 36.78 36.29 36.25 36.54 36.59 37.24 36.51 21.18 27.34 27.44 33.15 30.59 14.14 12.91 23.93 36.44 11.12 3 27/12/2011 4 16/12/2011 5 16/12/2011 67 2/12/2011 30/11/2011 89 30/11/2011 15/11/2011 303132 11/2/2011 33 7/2/2011 34 4/2/2011 2/1/2011 2/1/2011 29 28/02/2011 28 2/3/2011 27 2/3/2011 101112 20/10/2011 13 18/09/2011 14 18/09/2011 15 23/08/2011 16 16/07/2011 17 20/06/2011 18 9/6/2011 19 3/6/2011 20 3/6/2011 21 19/03/2011 9/3/2011 6/3/2011 26 6/3/2011 S.I No Date Latitude(North) Longitude(East) Magnitude Depth Earthquake Felt Location/

| 146 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 4 M 68 km Region India-bangladesh Border 5 M 34 km Baluchistan Province 5 M 24 km Baluchistan Province 5 M 98 km Province North-west Frontier 4.7 M4.7 M 23 km 35 km Islands Andaman Islands Andaman 4.4 M 30 km Islands Andaman 6.9 M 19 km Sikkim 4.8 M 15 km Ridge Carlsberg 5.6 M5.4 M 22 km 16 km Islands Andaman Of Coast Northern Sumatra West The Off 4.9 M 47 km Sikkim 5.4 M 12 km Region Border Nepal-India 4.5 M4.9 M 32 km Nepal 31 km Baluchistan Province 4.9 M5.7 M 34 km 54 km Baluchistan Province Baluchistan Province 4.6 M 64 km Northwestern Kashmir 4.7 M 39 km Province Punjab 4.8 M4.6 M7.2 M 13 km4.6 M 60 km4.6 M Northwestern Kashmir 68 km Pakistan Southwestern 34 km Pakistan Southwestern 31 km Baluchistan Province Baluchistan Province 4.7 M 10 km Sea Laccadive Nepal Pakistan Maldives 88.4 71.8 73.3 92.99 91.78 92.46 88.06 68.11 94.11 90.37 88.11 80.75 86.89 66.32 68.33 65.04 66.59 66.34 75.46 72.17 63.92 63.92 66.82 66.23 79.03 1.45 4.15 27.7 3.94 13.74 10.58 12.86 27.72 10.61 26.72 27.61 29.67 27.43 27.13 28.93 27.02 28.26 35.04 32.76 36.22 36.32 28.77 28.73 27.81 27.17 Sri Lanka 1 18/09/2011 1 9/5/2011 2 3/6/2011 3 4/4/2011 4 13/02/2011 1 31/12/2011 2 23/12/2011 3 11/10/2011 45 10/8/2011 24/07/2011 6 21/06/2011 7 7/6/2011 8 25/04/2011 9 9/2/2011 1 19/11/2011 2324 13/02/2011 11/2/2011 22 16/02/2011 25 10/2/2011 2627 1/2/2011 7/1/2011 101112 18/01/2011 13 18/01/2011 7/1/2011 4/1/2011 S.I No Date Latitude(North) Longitude(East) Magnitude Depth Earthquake Felt Location/

| 147 | Introduction Region 3.2 Haryana(Distt.Sonepat)-U.P(Distt.Baghpat) Region Border 4.6 (Manipur) Region Border Mayanmar-India 3.8 Tripura 5.3 Off Of Coast Islands East Andaman 6.4 (Manipur) Region Border Mayanmar-India 3.1 Region Border (Kolhapur) Maharashtra Karnatka (Belgaon), 3.5 Pradesh Madhya Seoni, 5.0 Northwestern Kashmir 4.4 Islands Nicobar Nicobar, Car 4.0 Bangladesh-India(Tripura)Border Region 2.3 Delhi 4.1 Myanmar-India(Manipur) Region Border 3.0 Rajasthan ( District:Sikar), Thana Nim Ka 3.3 Uttarakhand Chamoli, 5.2 India (Jammu & Kashmir) Region Border - China 5.7 Region India Border Nepal 2.6 Maharashtra Dist., Latur 4.3 Region Border Meghalaya-Assam 3.8 Region Himachal-J&K Border 4.3 Nagaland 5.0 Region Border India-Nepal 3.5 Kachchh Region,Gujarat Appendix-VB Appendix-VB 5 8 10 75 10 33 72 12 15 45 10 05 83 10 57 10 10 70 10 10 10 15 As recorded by Indian Meteorological Department Indian Meteorological by (IMD) recorded As Earthquake Data of SouthEarthquake Asia-2011 Data Date N) Lat(Deg. Long(Deg.E) Depth(Km) Magnitude 26/01/2011 29.0°N 77.2°E 27/01/2011 24.3°N 94.4°E 01/02/2011 23.7°N 91.8°E 01/02/2011 11.3°N 93.8°E 04/02/2011 24.8°N 94.6°E 05/02/2011 16.5°N 74.3°E 08/02/2011 22.5°N 79.6°E 09/02/2011 36.1°N 73.6°E 10/02/2011 09.2°N 92.4°E 12/02/2011 23.5°N 91.0°E 18/02/2011 28.6°N 77.3°E 22/02/2011 24.4°N 94.4°E 26/02/2011 27.5°N 75.6°E 14/03/2011 30.5°N 79.1°E 23/03/2011 36.3°N 76.6°E 04/04/2011 29.6°N 80.8°E 16/04/2011 18.1°N 76.6°E 26/04/2011 25.5°N 92.5°E 28/04/2011 33.3°N 76.6°E 29/04/2011 25.9°N 94.7°E 04/05/2011 30.2°N 80.4°E 17/05/2011 23.5°N 70.4°E

| 148 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Region 3.4 India Meghalaya, 3.4 Uttarakhand Border, Dist. Almora Chamoli- 4.6 India Islands, Nicobar 3.5 Kerala - Idukki Kottayam Dist Region, Border 3.2 Kerala - Idukki Kottayam Dist Region, Border 4.5 India (W.Dinajpur)-Bangladesh Region Border 4.4 J & K District Kishtwar, 3.4 - Jharkhand(Jamshedpur) Region Border W.B.(Puruliya) 3.5 Nadu Tamil Ariyalur, 4.0 Gujarat Kachchh Region, 3.5 Barmer) Region Border - India (Distt. Pakistan 4.23.4 Manipur Ukhrul, Katchchh Region,Gujarat 6.8 Sikkim-- Region Border Nepal 5.04.5 India(Sikkim)--Nepal Region Border India(Sikkim)--Nepal Region Border 4.2 India(Sikkim)--Nepal Region Border 3.9 Maharashtra Latur, 3.14.8 Uttarkashi Dist.,Uttaranchal Myanmar 3.9 Sikkim 4.5 Imphal 3.0 Uttaranchal Uttarkashi Dist, 4.3 Jammu & Kashmir,India 4.9 India ( Jammu & Kashmir Region Border ) - China 4.7 Sea Andaman 3.6 India Pradesh, Arunachal 4.9 North Sea Andaman 5 5 9 5 20 14 10 15 15 18 21 33 33 15 20 10 16 28 05 10 30 33 10 42 84 10 10 Date N) Lat(Deg. Long(Deg.E) Depth(Km) Magnitude 24/05/2011 25.2°N 92.4°E 04/07/2011 29.9°N 79.3°E 16/07/2011 09.9°N 92.7°E 26/07/2011 09.6°N 76.6°E 26/07/2011 09.7°N 76.8°E 28/07/2011 25.3°N 88.6°E 28/07/2011 33.3°N 76.0°E 09/08/2011 22.8°N 86.5°E 12/08/2011 11.1°N 79.1°E 13/08/2011 23.3°N 70.2°E 28/08/2011 25.9°N 69.8°E 04/09/2011 25.2°N 94.3°E 11/09/201118/09/2011 23.3°N 27.7°N 70.2° E 88.2°E 18/09/2011 27.6°N 88.5°E 18/09/201118/09/2011 27.5°N 27.6°N 88.4°E 88.4°E 19/09/2011 18.0°N 76.7°E 21/09/2011 30.9°N 78.3°E 22/09/201122/09/2011 23.7°N 27.6°N 94.9°E 88.4°E 128 23/09/2011 24.4°N 93.8°E 24/09/2011 30.9°N 78.3°E 24/09/2011 34.1°N 75.2°E 27/09/2011 36.7°N 76.7°E 28/09/2011 10.9°N 94.5°E 11/10/2011 28.3°N 94.1°E 11/10/2011 13.9°N 93.8°E

| 149 | Introduction Region Region 3.5 Rajasthan(Jhunjhunun Dist)-Haryana(Mahendragarh Dist)Border 3.7 India(Tripura)- Bangladesh Region Border 3.53.6 Sikkim A.P. Region, Border - Mahbubnagar Nalgonda Dist. 5.3 Gujarat District Junagadh, 4.53.5 Imphal,Manipur Himachal Pradesh Mandi, 6.9 Peru Of Coast Central The Near 3.53.6 India Sikkim, Region Border Pradesh Assam-Arunachal 3.7 Orissa Kendujhargarh, 3.8 India (Uttrakhand) Region Border - China 3.7 Assam Barpeta, 3.7 Manipur Ukhrul, 3.8 Bengal West Jalpaiguri, 4.3 Gujarat Junagadh, 3.2 Uttrakhand Uttarkashi, 5.8 Myanmar-India ,Region Border 2.5 Delhi - Haryana Region Border 3.2 Kerala Idukki, 5.4 Off Of Islands Coast East Nicobar 4.5 Off Of Coast Islands East Andaman 4.8 Islands Andaman 2.6 Delhi - Haryana( Region Sonepat) Border 3.7 India ( Sikkim) Region Border - Nepal 3.4 Pradesh Arunachal 2.9 Gangtok,Sikkim 3.5 Region Border India(Meghalaya)-Bangladesh 6 5 7 5 5 5 5 10 10 36 35 10 10 15 60 15 10 33 80 10 10 40 33 10 05 33 33 20 Date N) Lat(Deg. Long(Deg.E) Depth(Km) Magnitude 12/10/2011 28.2°N13/10/2011 24.0°N 76.0°E 91.5°E 17/10/2011 27.3°N 88.4°E 19/10/201120/10/2011 16.5°N 21.2°N 79.0°E 70.7°E 21/10/2011 24.8°N 94.0°E 26/10/201128/10/2011 31.5°N 14.5°S 76.8°E 75.9°W 29/10/2011 27.4°N 88.4°E 30/10/201105/11/2011 26.9°N 21.4°N 92.3°E 85.8°E 06/11/2011 30.6°N 80.3°E 08/11/2011 26.3°N 90.6°E 08/11/2011 24.7°N 94.2°E 11/11/2011 26.7°N 89.4°E 12/11/2011 21.1°N 70.5°E 20/11/2011 30.4°N 78.7°E 21/11/2011 25.1°N 95.3°E 24/11/2011 28.8°N 77.0°E 25/11/2011 9.7°N 76.9°E 02/12/2011 07.9°N 94.0°E 05/12/2011 12.6°N 93.2°E 06/12/2011 12.3°N 92.0°E 08/12/2011 28.5°N 77.0°E 09/12/2011 27.9°N 88.2°E 12/12/2011 27.3°N 92.6°E 13/12/2011 27.3°N 88.6°E 13/12/2011 25.2°N 91.5°E

| 150 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Region 4.5 India(Sikkim) Region Border - Nepal 3.2 Distt Chamoli,Uttrakhand 3.4 Region Border - Nagaland India (Assam) 3.5 India-Myanmar Region Border 3.7 India (Sikkim)- Region Border Nepal 3.6 India Assam, 5 50 10 70 35 10 Date N) Lat(Deg. Long(Deg.E) Depth(Km) Magnitude 14/12/2011 27.7°N 88.0°E 14/12/2011 30.5°N 79.3°E 15/12/2011 25.7°N 94.1°E 18/12/2011 24.1°N 94.3°E 18/12/2011 28.0°N 88.2°E 30/12/2011 26.5°N 92.8°E

| 151 | Introduction Epicenter 4 Kaski Lahachowk, 4 Northern,Khotang 4.1 Humla 4.3 Barahbise,Sindhupalchok 4.7 Boarder(Bhojpur,Sankhuwasava) 4.2 Bakamkharka,Sankhuwasava 4.34.3 Rasuwa Sarsin, Kaski Hyanja, 4.4 Kaski Hyanja, 4.2 Pyuthan Gotibang, 5.7 Chhapri,Darchula 4.1 Apihimal,Darchula 4.1 Manalbhanjyang,Darchula 4.1 Sarmathan,Sindhupalchok 5.2 Kanchanjanga,Taplejung 4.2 Ranagau,Rolpa 4.1 Talabang,Rolpa 4.5 Dahalgau,Khotang 4.2 Humla West 4.34.5 N.Sankhuwasava S.Sankhuwasava,District 4.2 Khotang District 4.3 Northern,Bajhang Appendix-V-C As recorded by National Seismological Centre, Nepal Seismological National Centre, by recorded As 83.8 87.3 81.97 85.94 87.01 87.01 85.24 83.78 83.96 82.74 80.54 80.81 80.37 85.61 88.03 82.66 82.55 86.82 81.48 87.35 86.76 86.35 81.31 Earthquake of South Asia-2011 data Date Latitude Longitude Magnitude 18/01/2011 30.03 18/01/2011 27.8 13/02/2011 27.47 22/02/2011 27.57 10/03/2011 28.02 11/03/201112/03/2011 28.31 28.31 22/03/2011 28.35 22/03/2011 28.11 04/04/2011 29.92 04/04/2011 30 05/04/2011 29.74 07/04/2011 27.93 03/06/2011 27.6 11/06/2011 28.41 11/06/2011 28.4 13/06/2011 27.1 17/06/2011 30.24 18/06/2011 27.83 15/07/201129/07/2011 27.28 27.19 02/08/2011 27.35 09/08/2011 29.9

| 152 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Epicenter 5 East,Ramechhap 4 Duradanda,Lamjung 4 Kaski Lahachok, 4 Parbat 5 Northeastern part of Gorkha 4 Pyuthan 4 Bajura 4.9 Bajhang, Kangargoth, 4.44.2 Rolpa Khara, Udayapur Udayapuradhi, 6.8 & Sikkim Taplejung between Border 4.7 Humla 4.2 Bajura 4.1 Sindhupalchowk 4.1 Dolakha 4.2 Dailekh 4.2 Rasuwa Sarsin, 4.2Taplejung North of 4.9Taplejung North of 4.6Taplejung North of 86.6 86.1 86.27 84.31 81.34 83.96 82.53 88.32 81.81 81.68 83.66 85.55 84.93 81.68 85.34 82.86 88.13 88.09 88.16 81.53 Date Latitude Longitude Magnitude 15/08/2011 27.44 18/08/2011 28.21 19/08/2011 29.7 22/08/2011 28.29 25/08/2011 28.15 27/08/201118/09/2011 26.94 27.78 01/10/2011 30.16 02/10/2011 29.55 04/11/2011 28.34 08/11/2011 27.94 13/11/2011 28.2 19/11/2011 27.7 23/11/2011 28.91 02/12/2011 28.05 08/12/2011 27.97 09/12/2011 27.83 14/12/2011 27.72 18/12/2011 27.73 30/12/2011 29.62

| 153 | Introduction 0.05 Est. Damage Damage Est. (US$ Million) Affected Affected 01/06/2001 01/06/2001 4 270 03/03/2002 03/03/2002 150 3513 12/04/2002 12/04/200225/03/2002 50 25/03/2002 1000 6150 91228 10/04/2003 10/04/2003 1 1001 18/07/2004 18/07/2004 2 1040 18/10/2005 18/10/2005 1 13/12/2005 13/12/2005 5 501 29/07/2006 29/07/2006 1 935 17/04/2009 17/04/2009 22 3309 18/04/2010 18/04/2010 11 1070 Afghanistan Afghanistan Appendix-V-D Appendix-V-D Sub -type Starting Date Ending Date Killed Tot. Earthquake( Earthquake( Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Ground-shaking) Ground-shaking) Ground-shaking) Ground-shaking) Ground-shaking) Ground-shaking) Ground-shaking) Ground-shaking) Ground-shaking) Ground-shaking) Ground-shaking) Type Type Earthquake Earthquake Earthquake Earthquake Earthquake Earthquake in South 2001-2011 Asia Earthquake ( Seismic Activity) ( Seismic Activity) ( Seismic Activity) ( Seismic Activity) ( Seismic Activity) ( Seismic Activity) ( Seismic Activity) ( Seismic Activity) ( Seismic Activity) ( Seismic Activity) ( Seismic Activity) ince) Kush) Location Location Province) ( Nangarh) ( )( Kunduz 9 Nahrin ( Baghlan Prov- 8 Khojakeder Dawabi, Earthquake 7 (Takhar Yakabagh 6 Province Paktia Earthquake 5 Jalalabad Nangarhar, Earthquake 4 Hindukush Earthquake 3 Emam Sahib 12 Samagan Hesarak , SI 11 Gumbahar Jabul Saraj, Earthquake 10 Dakhli-Ezeu (Hindu- No

| 154 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 500 Est. Damage Damage Est. (US$ Million) Affected Affected 21/09/2009 21/09/2009 11 12 18/09/2011 18/09/2011 1 20016 18/09/2011 18/09/2011 112 575200 08/10/2005 08/10/2005 1309 156622 1000 25/02/2001 25/02/2001 27/07/2003 27/07/2003 2 2525 14/09/2002 14/09/2002 2 200 18/09/2011 18/09/2011 7 117213 26/01/2001 26/01/2001 20005 6321812 2623 India Nepal Bhutan Maldives Bangladesh Tsunami 26/12/2004 26/12/2004 16389 654512 1022.8 Tsunami 26/12/2004 26/12/2004 2 Tsunami 26/12/2004 26/12/2004 102 27214 470.1 shaking) shaking) shaking) Sub -type Starting Date Ending Date Killed Tot. Earthquake Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Ground-shaking) Ground-shaking) Ground-shaking) Ground-shaking) Ground-shaking) ( Ground-shaking) Earthquake (ground Earthquake (ground Earthquake (ground Type Type mic activity) mic activity) mic activity) mic activity) mic activity) mic activity) Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Earthquake ( Seismic Activity) Seismic Activity) Seismic Activity) Seismic Activity) Seismic Activity) Seismic Activity) Earthquake (seis- Earthquake (seis- Earthquake (seis- Earthquake (seis- Earthquake (seis- Be ... jung Kar ... Bihar khsh) man ... abad, R ... abad, Location Location Bazar-Ra ... 2Tashigang Mungaar, Earthquake ( 2 Jammu and Kashmir Earthquake (seis- 1 Bengal, West Sikkim, 1 Region –Thimphu Paro Earthquake ( 3 Anda- state, Nadu Tamil 1 Bari, Garag's, Hafun, 2 Chittagong-Cox's 4 du (Golfe Isl. Andaman 5 Ahmed- Kachch-Bhuj, 1 1Taple- Sankhuwasbha, SI 12 (Bada- region Faizabad No

| 155 | Introduction Est. Damage Damage Est. (US$ Million) Affected Affected 29/10/2008 29/10/2008 166 75320 10 18/01/2011 18/01/2011 2 1000 08/10/2005 08/10/2005 73338 5128309 5200 14/02/2004 14/02/2004 24 13148 21/11/2002 21/11/2002 19 140782 02/11/2002 02/11/2002 17 15065 26/01/2001 26/01/2001 12 914292 0.5 Pakistan SRI LANKA Source- EMDAT accessed on 01 MAY 2012 on 01 MAY accessed EMDAT Source- Tsunami 26/12/2004 26/12/2004 35399 1019306 1316.5 shaking) shaking) shaking) shaking) shaking) Sub -type Starting Date Ending Date Killed Tot. Earthquake Earthquake ( Ground-shaking) ( Ground-shaking) Earthquake (ground Earthquake (ground Earthquake (ground Earthquake (ground Earthquake (ground Type Type mic activity) mic activity) mic activity) mic activity) mic activity) mic activity) Seismic Activity) Seismic Activity) Earthquake (seis- Earthquake (seis- Earthquake (seis- Earthquake (seis- Earthquake (seis- Earthquake (seis- K ... Kohi ... Kohi Poonc ... Poonc Raikot ... Location Location 3 Muzzafarabad, Bagh, 2 Mulazai Rod, Khanozai, Earthquake ( 4 Mansehra, Battagram, 1 Balochistan Earthquake ( 5 Harchu, Doyan, Dashkin, 6 Muthat, Pani, Tata 7 1 SI No

| 156 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

damaged houses have been houses have than 100 More 1 1 2 6 1 1 2 2 1 13 3 Kaski Rukum Damauli Location Deaths Injuries & Loss Damage Rangamati town panyganj upazila panyganj in Chittagong cityin Chittagong district in Balkh province near Utma border in Com- near Utma border Nepal Bangladesh Afghanistan Appendix-VI-A 15.07.2011 Reporting Date of Jawand districtof Jawand in

Landslide Events in South Asia2011 Landslide Events Date 7.12.2011 8.12.2011 Bonpur Bijbarua village 29.03.2011 30.03.2011 in Gazipur Shreepur 2 5 14.08.2011 15-.08.2011 of Pahartali Colony Biswa slide slide slide 20.02.2011 21.02.2011 Best village Tagab Landslide/ 3 Landslide 1 Landslide 5.04.2011 7.04.2011 village of Marmal Parwaz 1 Landslide/ Earth 2 Landslide 1.07.2011 3.07.2011 Chittagong hills, Batali 17 2 Landslide 06.07.2011 07.07.2011 1 34 Landslide5 Landslide/Hill 6 9.08.2011 Landslide Landslide/Mud 22.10.2011 10-.08.2011 23.10.2011 Ramjadi in Bandarban 2 of area Dhanmiah Pahar 2 1 Landslide 04.07.2011 05.07.2011 slide Rock Sl. No.Sl. of Disaster Type Occurrence

| 157 | Introduction

aged missing highway nationals nationals koran Highway Highway koran koran Highway Highway koran & 50 partially dam- 80 houses damaged 5 families Displaced Block Karakuram 12 families Displaced herders 30 cattle 7 18 1 2 7 3 1 3 2 5 21 2 Chinese Both were Chinese Both were 1 5 14 3 2 Kaski Gilgit Rolpa Rolpa Siraha Quetta Acham Rukum Gorkha Baglung Tanahun Dhading Location Deaths Injuries & Loss Damage Jhula VDC Jhula lukhumbu Ramechhap Muslim Bagh Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan 04.03.2011 02.08.2011 Reporting Date

Date 9 Landslide 05.09.2011 07.09.2011 6 Landslide 30.07.2011 01.08.2011 78 Landslide Landslide 13.08.2011 13.08.2011 14.08.2011 14.08.2011 Chaurikharka-6 of So- VDC-1 Bhanjyang Pokhari 45 Landslide Landslide 11.05.2011 12.05.2011 3 Landslide 13.02.2011 14.02.2011 6 Landslide 03.08.2011 04.08.2011 2 Landslide 09.02.2011 10.02.2011 Kohistan Madraza area, Landslide block Kara- 5 Landslide 1 Landslide 05.02.2011 06.02.2011 Barsin Karakoran Highway, Landslide block Kara- 4 Landslide 20.07.2011 20.07.2011 12 Landslide 17.09.2011 18.09.2011 11 Landslide 17.09.2011 17.09.2011 10 Landslide 14.09.2011 15.09.2011 15 Landslide 14.10.2011 15.10.2011 13 Landslide 22.09.2011 23.09.2011 16 Mudslide 15.10.2011 16.10.2011 14 Landslide 18.09.2011 30.09.2011 Sl. No.Sl. of Disaster Type Occurrence

| 158 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011

bodies recovered 5 houses destroyed 71 but only5 20 buried, 3 16 40 houses damaged Kandy Badulla Location Deaths Injuries & Loss Damage Punchi Rattota Punchi ingha Mawatha, Kandy ingha Mawatha, Sri LankaSri Source: Data compiled by SDMC from media Reports& SDMC from by EMDAT. Data compiled Source: Reporting Date Date 01.02.2011 04.02.2011 slip 3 Landslide/Earth 4 Landslide 08.02.2011 10.02.2011 2 Landslide 09.01.2011 11-10.01.2011 71 Landslide Landslide 10.10.2011 09.01.2011 10.10.2011 09.01.2011 Lodhran Kahror Pakka, Rajas- area, Thalathuoya 5 3 Sl. No.Sl. of Disaster Type Occurrence

| 159 | Introduction

1 Japanese were destroyed were died 700 goat 9 porter buried 1 2 2 15 houses damaged 2 2 nationals 2 Korean 3 7 23 5 houses 7 residential Deaths Injuries & Loss Damage Skardu province Kohistan Location Langtang Langtang Lakki Marwat Solukhumbhu kundee province Nepal Nepal Pakistan Afghanistan Appendix- VIB Appendix- Source: Data compiled by SDMC from media Reports& SDMC from by EMDAT. Data compiled Source: 18.02.2011 district of Dai- Takhat Sang 06.06.2011 17.08.2011 Reporting Date

Avalanche Events in South Asia2011 Events Avalanche Date Type of DisasterType Occurrence 1 Avalanche 8.02.2011 9.02.2011 Sheekay district of Badakhshan 2 Avalanche 1 Avalanche 24.03.2011 26.03.2011 2 Avalanche 3 Avalanche 11.11.2011 12.11.2011 1 Avalanche 13.02.2011 14.02.2011 23 Avalanche Avalanche 20.07.2011 21.07.2011 Sl. Sl. No.

| 160 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Dengue 00/06/2011Dengue 28/06/2011 00/01/2011 02/12/2011 4 167 1289 26343 Appendix-VII-A Source-EMDAT accessed on 3 September 2012 accessed Source-EMDAT Diseases Diseases Epidemics in South Epidemics Asia2011 Epidemic Viral Infectious Country Location TypeType Sub Name Start End Killed Affected Tot. Maldives Maldives Sri Lanka province Western Epidemic Viral Infectious

| 161 | Introduction Details with more than 1000 cases in central Ghazni province. Ghazni province. than 1000 cases in central with more diarrhoea was reported. diarrhoea reported. was with 84 cases and 14 deaths. ince stan, with several thousand cases reported in Kandahar with several stan, under five. children of cases are 80 per cent alone. Province cases were confirmed by laboratorytesting confirmed cases were regions. The incidence rate was highest from Balkh. Balkh. highest from was rate incidence The regions. Upazila Upazila Khulna. Khulna. anthrax.

30/08/2011 diarrhoea of acute reported an outbreak 2011, of 24 Aug As 16/02/2011 acute due to of 10,486 events a total 52 in 2010, During week (dd/mm/yyyy) Appendix-VII-B

drome drome Anthrax 19/07/2011 in Meherpur with anthrax district, infected 39 people were rhoeal syn- rhoeal syn-

diar- Acute diar- Acute Cholera 17/06/2011 reported was of cholera in Southern outbreak An Afghani- Measles 16/02/2011 of which 92 reported, 104 suspected cases of measles were Meningitis 16/02/2011 reported 112 suspected all from cases of meningitis were Anthrax 24/08/2011 Khirshin at with anthrax 16 people infected Anthrax 8/06/2011 Shahjadpur at with anthrax infected people were Three district

Epidemics in South Asia-2011 as compiled by Pro MED Pro by in South as compiled Epidemics Asia-2011 Country Region Location Disease Reported Date Bangladesh BangladeshBangladesh Rajshahi Khulna Meherpur Bangladesh and Sirajganj Pabna Bangladesh Pabna Anthrax 20/06/2011 of the outbreak by 64 people affected of 17 Jun 2011, As Afghanistan Afghanistan Ghazni Afghanistan Afghanistan Zabul (Zabol)Afghanistan Kandahar Cholera 23/06/2011 reported was of cholera in southern outbreak Zabul prov- An Afghanistan Afghanistan Balkh

| 162 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Details damaged due to outbreak of avian influenza virus (H5N1) at (H5N1) influenza virus of avian outbreak damaged due to Dhaka. Kashada village, Influenza in Bangladesh. human case of Avian affected by avian influenza (H5N1) virus. 231 cases were were 231 cases influenza (H5N1) virus. avian by affected culled. reported were of 869 birds on 22 Jun 2011 a total chickens have been affected by the latest outbreak of avian of avian outbreak the latest by been affected chickens have Reportedlyyear are this the outbreaks influenza (H5N1). (2010). times higher than the same period three last year reported in Bangladesh. As many as 21,590 hens were culled as 21,590 hens were many As reported in Bangladesh. a poultryat farm in Chuadanga. by the latest outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1) in Dhaka, influenza (H5N1) in Dhaka, of avian outbreaks the latest by 2011 and 6 Sep and Rajshahi Chuadanga 21 Aug between 2011. been reported in Rangpur. been reported in Rangpur. anthrax in Pabna due to processing meat of a sick cow. meat processing due to in Pabna anthrax ing one death. of a total 2011, of 11 Aug As Dhaka city 2011. during Jul- Aug been reported. 473 cases have cases in the cause of encephalitis that (IEDCR) has revealed 24 cases and 17 2011, of 7 Feb As Rangpur Nipah virus. was been confirmed. have deaths 8/07/2011 been poultry have Commercial farms in Khulna province 1/09/2011 influenza A (H5N1) has been A suspected of avian outbreak 9/09/2011 been affected have farm birds of 23,889 commercial A total 21/04/2011 of 6000 poultry culled and 29 000 eggs A total were birds 12/04/2011 the second has confirmed Health Organization World The 26/07/2011 of the country's one third farm-raised of 21 Jul 2011, As (dd/mm/yyyy) (H5N1) (H5N1) (H5N1) (H5N1) (H5N1) (H5N1) Encephalitis 4/02/2011 have including 17 deaths, least 30 cases of encephalitis, At Encephalitis 7/02/2011 and Research Disease Control of Epidemiology Institute The Influenza A Influenza A Influenza A Influenza A Influenza A Anthrax Dengue fever 16/05/2011 15/08/2011 includ- district, in Pabna with anthrax people infected Three been reported in in dengue cases have A sudden increase Anthrax 3/06/2011 cutaneous by affected 39 people were 2011, of 31 May As ibandha

and Rajshahi Country Region Location Disease Reported Date Bangladesh Dhaka Bangladesh Dhaka Bangladesh Khulna Bangladesh Bangladesh Chuadanga Influenza A Bangladesh Chuadanga Dhaka, BangladeshBangladesh Pabna Bangladesh Dhaka Lalmonirhat Bangladesh Rangpur Hat- Bangladesh Pabna

| 163 | Introduction Details Bangladesh. 200 cases and 20 deaths have been reported so have 200 cases and 20 deaths Bangladesh. far. to nipah virus. due death one more (IEDCR) has confirmed month-old male from Dhaka on 15 Mar 2011. Dhaka male from month-old on 15 Mar 2011. kaby health authorities of Bangladesh. has been confirmed Dhaka. child from 2011. 16 - 17 Feb between Barisal province has been reported in Dhaka. 530 cases/deaths were reported were 530 cases/deaths has been reported in Dhaka. poultryin commercial farm. purhat and Chapainawabganj districts. At least 9,065 poultry At districts. purhat and Chapainawabganj influ- avian due to culled and 10,235 eggs destroyed were enza (H5N1) virus. of Rajshahi, influenza (H5N1) in provinces avian by affected Khulna and Sylhet. Chittagong, poultry farms of Dhaka and Rangpur end of Jan between have outbreaks 2011, of 13 Feb As 2011. 2011 and 5 Feb been resolved. reported the country. throughout in birds 8/3/2011reported been in influenza A (H5N1) have of avian Outbreaks 3/3/2011reported influenza has been of avian Joy- outbreak New 4/2/2011 been of 310,678 cases of influenza A H5N1 have A total 10/1/2011 influenza A (H5N1) of avian a new outbreak On 1 Jan 2011, 28/02/2011 and Research Disease Control of Epidemiology Institute The 21/02/2011 nipah encephalitis. died due to have patients more Two 18/03/2011reported influenza has been case of avian in a 31 Another 16/03/2011 reported influenza in Dha- A previously human case of avian 15/03/2011reported influenza A (H5N1) has been A case of avian in a 18/02/2011 been have domestic birds 2011, 31 Jan and 17 Feb Between 15/02/2011reported been in influenza H5N1 have cases More of avian (dd/mm/yyyy) (H5N1) (H5N1) (H5N1) (H5N1) (H5N1) (H5N1) (H5N1) (H5N1) (H5N1) disease disease Influenza A Nipah viral Nipah viral Influenza A Influenza A Influenza A Influenza A Influenza A Influenza A Influenza A and districts Chapain- awabganj awabganj

Rajshahi and Sylhet Country Region Location Disease Reported Date Bangladesh Bangladesh Bangladesh BangladeshBangladesh Dhaka Bangladesh Dhaka Bangladesh Barisal Rajshahi Joypurhat Bangladesh Bandarban Measles 3/05/2011 of measles has been reported outbreak An in south-eastern Bangladesh Khulna, Chittagong, Bangladesh Dhaka and Rangpur Bangladesh Bangladesh Influenza A Dhaka

| 164 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Details a total of 31 deaths in seven districts. districts. in seven of 31 deaths a total cases in the cause of encephalitis that (IEDCR) has revealed 24 cases and 17 2011, of 7 Feb As Rangpur Nipah virus. was been confirmed. have deaths shedpur, which were sent to three separate research centres centres research separate three to sent which were shedpur, chikun- for positive been tested samples have eight in India, virus. gunya gunya virus infections, of which 39 were positive. positive. of which 39 were infections, virus gunya city in the past week. The outbreak has reportedly outbreak The been city in the past week. the residents. supplied to poor qualitycaused by water to According in Jamshedpur city. with high fever pitalized 30,000 cases of undiagnosed febrile are there media reports, everyillnesses and the number is increasing day. 25 persons. has so far affected anthrax The lages of Orissa. beef and pork. of rotten consumption in Orissa due to in north of chickenthe outbreak pox Kashmir's Baramulla district. with suspected rabies. All persons bitten by the cat are cur- are the cat by persons bitten All with suspected rabies. prophylaxis. rabies post-exposure receiving rently

7/02/2011 and Research Disease Control of Epidemiology Institute The 5/08/2011 Jam- from patients fever 32 blood samples of viral Among 5/07/2011 been reported the Ropar 46 cases of diarrhoeafrom have 1/08/2011 been hos- people have many Duringweeks the past three 15/02/2011 caused have Nipah encephalitis media reports, to According 15/08/2011 chikun- for tested 291 people were 2011, 12 Aug Jan to From (dd/mm/yyyy)

drome disease disease syndrome rhoeal syn- Chickenpox 21/07/2011 been reported ill due to have children dozen least three At virus infection virus virus infection virus Nipah viral Nipah viral Chikungunya Chikungunya Anthrax Anthrax 17/06/2011 vil- more ten to has spread the outbreak of 154 Jun 2011, As 13/06/2011 Guchua village at anthrax by been affected 12 people have Rabies 25/02/2011 diar- Acute people in Samtse and died thereafter seven has bitten A cat district

Goa Orissa Orissa Punjab monirhat and Rangpur monirhat, Nilphamari monirhat, Kurigram, Kushtia, Lal- Kushtia, Kurigram, India Jharkhand India Bengal West India India India febrile Acute Jammu and Kashmir Baramulla India India India Bhutan Bhutan Samtse Country Region Location Disease Reported Date Bangladesh Gaibandha, Dinajpur, Bangladesh Rangpur and Lal-

| 165 | Introduction Details of CCHF. He was an intern at a government hospital. It is not hospital. a government at an intern He was of CCHF. victimsclear whether he had contact with the previous tacts sent for laboratory testing, nine samples have been nine samples have laboratorytacts testing, for sent haemorrhagic fever Crimean Congo for positive tested deaths. including four (CCHF), with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) are under are (CCHF) hemorrhagic fever with Crimean-Congo surveillance in Mehsana district. has been reported in Goa. has been reported in Goa. Hospital in the past week. villages of Yamuna nagar district. Yamuna villages of another 200 people have weeks In the past two Mumbai city. with diarrhoea. medical treatment sought There has been a 25 per cent increase in the number of diar- increase has been a 25 per cent There rhoea this year. cases among children Wayanad district with symptoms of cholera. district of cholera. with symptoms Wayanad children from Mumbai. Mumbai. from children 1/02/2011 old male doctor the 4th victim has become A 25 year die to 1/03/2011 out of 298 blood samples of cases/con- 2011, of 10 Feb As 31/05/2011 patient in contact with a deceased 42 people who had come 12/01/2011 virus 13 cases of chikungunya week of Jan 2011, In the first (dd/mm/yyyy) Cholera 19/04/2011 been reported in three 26 cases have 2011, of 5 Apr As Cholera 5/07/2011 hospitals in in the several been admitted 114 people have Crimean Crimean Crimean Congo haem- Congo Congo haem- Congo Congo haem- Congo orrhagic fever orrhagic fever orrhagic fever virus infection virus Chikungunya Ah- abad district district district. nanagar medebad Goa Kerala Wayanad Gujarat Gujarat Ahmed- Gujarat Mehsana Gujarat Saraj Cholera 12/07/2011 been reported. have of 8 July 2011 66 cases of cholera As Haryana Yamu- India India IndiaIndia Maharashtra Maharashtra Mumbai Cholera Cholera 5/08/2011 15/08/2011 been reported Kasturba from in Mumbai. have cholera cases of cholera for positive Four One case has been tested India IndiaIndia MaharashtraIndia Maharashtra Pune Cholera 31/01/2011 Cholera been reported in Pune. have cases of cholera Two 19/01/2011 been reported of in children have 12 cases of cholera India India Maharashtra Mumbai Cholera 5/07/2011 been reported in suspected have cases of cholera Two India India Country Region Location Disease Reported Date

| 166 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Details been reported in Uttar Pradesh. At least 61 people have died least 61 people have At been reported in Uttar Pradesh. days. in the last ten encephalitis due to and 662 hospitalized Of these, 4458 with 584 deaths. reached cases in India have Nadu Tamil (1308), Assam reported 1782 cases, Uttar Pradesh Bengal (341) and Bihar 288 cases and 54 deaths. West (404), 15 percent Bihar. from 190 of which were countrywide, year cases has been encephalitis rise in the number of acute reported in Bihar. this year Congo haemorrhagic fever. A woman from Kolat village of Kolat from A woman haemorrhagic fever. Congo a hospital to admitted was near Ahmedabad Taluka Sanand professionals health care Two week of Jan 2011. in the first also died. have in caring of the patient, involved been districts than 690 people have and more in the state died in least 20 people have At dengue. for positive tested the state. Most of died so far this year. 12 people have ported in India. (591), Kerala (733), Nadu Tamil reported from the cases were (200) and Karnataka Maharashtra (176). (203), Gujarat and four One death Hospital in Rajasthan. the city's JK Lone been reported. suspected cases have the total to five. The most recent cases were a contact a of the were cases recent The most five. to the total and a nurse who worked in the hospital where initial case, CCHF of The presence admitted. were patients the first three for the area has been detected virus in ticks collected from the first time. 19/01/2011 Crimean India due to died in western people have Three 24/01/2011 bringing been reported, have A further cases of CCHF two (dd/mm/yyyy) Crimean Encephalitis 21/09/2011 A furtherhas encephalitis of acute in the incidence increase Congo haem- Congo Congo haem- Congo orrhagic fever orrhagic fever Encephalitis 15/09/2011 syndrome encephalitis acute confirmed of 13 Sep As 2011, Encephalitis 12/09/2011 been reported this have encephalitis 1360 cases of acute Dengue fever 18/08/2011 been re- of 2218 cases of dengue have a total of Jul 2011, As Diphtheria 18/07/2011 been reported from Suspected cases of diphtheria have Dengue fever 24/08/2011 21 to has spread dengue outbreak 2011, of 24 Aug As Crimean abad district Bihar Orissa Gujarat Ahmed- Gujarat and Karnataka and West Bengal West and Nadu, Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Nadu, Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat Gujarat Kerala, Nadu, India Tamil Bihar, Assam, India India India Tamil Maharashtra, IndiaIndia Rajasthan Uttar Pradesh Bahralch India India Country Region Location Disease Reported Date

| 167 | Introduction Details encephalitis and allied diseases in Assam since July 2011. Of July 2011. since and allied diseases in Assam encephalitis Sivasagar cases. encephalitis Japanese were 31 deaths, 51 the district with 100 cases and 21 deaths. affected is the worst (JE)nese encephalitis has been reported in Uttar Pradesh 450 were there of 5 Jul 2011, As year. previous to compared There with 77 deaths. syndrome encephalitis cases of acute districts affected worst The deaths. 20 JE cases with three are Gorakhpur are with 111 cases and 21 encephalitis, acute by Deoria and by (109 cases and 15 deaths) followed deaths, also JE cases have (103 cases and 22 deaths). Kushinagar been reported districts these three from along with Basti, Sant Kabir and Maharajganj. Nagar Siddharthanagar, is the suspected virus Japanese encephalitis cause of the 26. outbreak. been admitted to hospital with symptoms of encephalitis. Of of encephalitis. hospital with symptoms to been admitted Gorakhpur suspected Japanese encephalitis. these 101 were districts. affected the worst are and Kushinagar weeks. died in the past two and 17 have encephalitis acute continue to be reported widely in northeastern India. A total A total be reported to widely in northeasterncontinue India. been reported in Uttar have of 891 cases with 148 deaths of 19 As in Bihar state. 150 cases and 55 deaths Pradesh, reported with five Nagaland from 23 cases were 2011, Aug deaths. (dd/mm/yyyy) Encephalitis 22/07/2011 by been affected and 226 others have died, 51 people have Encephalitis 7/7/2011 and Japa- encephalitis number of cases of acute Increased Encephalitis 20/07/2011 of 626 people have a total the beginning of the year Since Encephalitis 20/06/2011 hospitals in Bihar with to been admitted have 30 children Encephalitis 22/06/2011 to has increased the number of deaths of 20 Jun 2011, As Encephalitis 22/08/2011 (JE) and Japanese encephalitis encephalitis of acute Cases Sant ganj. ganj. nagar farpur khpur, khpur, Kushi- district district Deoria, Deoria, gar and pur and districts Siddhar- Kushina- Maharaj- gar, Basti, Basti, gar, Kabir Na- thanagar, thanagar, Bihar Bihar Muzaf- Assam Sivasagar and Nagaland India Pradesh Andhra Gora- India India India India Bihar Uttar Pradesh, India Uttar Pradesh Gorakh- Country Region Location Disease Reported Date

| 168 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Details been reported in a rural backyard poultry. A total of 1436 A total been reported backyard poultry. in a rural been affected. have birds Delhi and one person has died due to consumption of adul- Delhi consumption and one person has died due to buckwheatThe in has been distributed buckwheat. terated east and northeast Delhi. kand state. Savory snacks (chaat) from a roadside vendor vendor a roadside Savory from snacks (chaat) kand state. in the current been implicated have Dhokharaat village, outbreak. been reported in rural backyard poultry in West Bengal. A Bengal. been reportedWest backyard poultry in rural in reported. of 2285 cases with 849 deaths total reported in children from Nagpur city, Maharashtra state. state. Maharashtra city, reported Nagpur from in children being investigated. is currently infection source The Punjab. City-based hospitals are water. contaminated digarh due to reporting daily. 50 cases of the virus B. of Hepatitis of 1297 screening A random hepatitis. for positive tested of North locations the by people Chennai in six different for 61 of them positive showed Madras Medical College B. hepatitis for positive 44 were Of these, hepatitis. been reported within a shorttis C have periodof time. 4/1/2011 and mouth disease (HFMD) has been foot of hand, Cases 9/09/2011 influenza H5N1 has of avian an outbreak 2011, On 29 Aug 11/4/2011 in hospitals across being treated than 300 people More were 21/04/2011 been reported in Jhar- poisoning have 49 cases of food 20/09/2011 has influenza outbreak of avian an outbreak On 14 Sep 2011, 17/01/2011 been reported town, in Bathinda have 354 cases of hepatitis (dd/mm/yyyy) ing ing (H5N1) (H5N1) specified) Hepatitis AHepatitis 7/7/2011 A case has been reported in hepatitis increase An in Chan- mouth disease poison- Food poison- Food Influenza A (un- Hepatitis B Hepatitis 9/9/2011 reported districts suspected cases have and Paravoor Aluva C Hepatitis 26/07/2011 cases ofhepati- than four more In the village of Marhi Megha, garh Delhi Kerala Assam Punjab Punjab Chandi- Punjab India Jharkhand India Maharashtra and foot Hand, India India India India India India Nadu Tamil India ChennaiIndia B Hepatitis 29/07/2011 Bengal West least one in every At 25 people living in north have Chennai Influenza A Country Region Location Disease Reported Date

| 169 | Introduction Details district. 2900 malaria cases have been reported in the past 2900 malaria cases have district. one month. while only 13 cases reported in the same period last cases, (2010). year the Belgaum district. The individual is receiving treatment in treatment individual is receiving The the Belgaum district. hospital. with a total of 228 cases and 46 deaths. The disease was re- disease was The of 228 cases and 46 deaths. with a total ported the first time within city as limits in south Gujarat for were deaths most recent The areas. mostly in rural it spreads districts. and Navsari Valsad reported from have been reported in Shimoga. been reported in Shimoga. have died. 32 people have Bihar so far this year. an outbreak of avian influenza in a poultry of avian an outbreak and duck farm state. Tripura in located reported in the Gandhi Gram government poultry farm, poultryreported in the Gandhi government Gram farm, Tripura. western Tripura. Since 4 Mar 2011, a total of 10,550 suspected a total cases 4 Mar 2011, Since Tripura. of which 380 been reported in Agartalahave poultry farm, been laboratory cases. confirmed have 8/03/2011 been influenza have cases of avian fresh 1 Mar 2011, Since 31/05/2011 disease) forest (Kyasanur 11 casesfever of tick-borne viral 22/07/2011 Kala for Azar been treated ir of 11,748 people have A total 12/10/2010 been reported. have 348 cases of Japanese encephalitis 18/02/2011 reported Indian health authorities have 2011, On 16 Feb 23/03/2011reportedto be continue in influenza cases New of avian (dd/mm/yyyy) Azar) (H5N1) (H5N1) (H5N1) Malaria 2/9/2011 Nagar Yamuna of malaria has been reported outbreak An in est disease Influenza A encephalitis Leptospirosis 30/08/2011 cases in Gujarat in leptospirosis has been an increase There - visceral (Kala- visceral Malaria 20/07/2011 of malaria has been reported outbreak An in Delhi with 53 Leptospirosis 11/7/2011reported has been case of leptospirosis from ever first The Leishmaniasis for- Kyasanur Japanese Influenza A Influenza A and- district district. Navsari Navsari districts nanagar Bihar Delhi Tripura Tripura Tripura Agartala Gujarat Valsad Haryana Yamu- Haryana India India India Karnataka India India India Karnataka India India India India Country Region Location Disease Reported Date

| 170 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Details in Hyderabad. The highest numbers of cases have been re- highest numbers of cases have The in Hyderabad. ported Hills and Bholakpur Banjara from in Musheerabad. been re- 28,400 cases have 2011, Apr Jan to From state. tra the same with 20,091 cases for compared ported in the state, has been reported highest incidence The in period in 2010. Thane by followed Mumbai with 16,833 cases and 11 deaths, (709 cases) and Kalyan (182 cases). Mar to Apr 2011.Of the 185 deaths, Mumbai alone accounted Mumbai alone accounted 2011.OfMar Apr to the 185 deaths, been reported in the of 138,605 cases have A total 137. for with 85,435 cases compared 2010 and 2011, between state the same period in last year. for During Jan 2011, Khammam district. division, Bhadrachalam malaria out of the 24,144 for positive tested 355 cases were 2011 out of the blood samples taken and 311 cases in Feb village is most affected The 25,360 blood samples tested. Tulasipaka. Mumbai during Dec 2010. A total of 4391 people have suf- of 4391 people have A total Mumbai during Dec 2010. disease in Dec from 2011. fered reported in India. Most affected states are Maharashtra Maharashtra are Moststates affected reported in India. (58,996), Gujarat (118,500), Chhattisgarh (124,860 cases), Karnataka (31,095). Pradesh (41,861) and Andhra months. months. of cases being reported at several children's hospitals in children's of cases being reported several at city. Chennai (dd/mm/yyyy) Malaria 20/06/2011 been reported 145 cases of malaria have of 19 Jun 2011, As Malaria 18/03/2011 in malaria cases has been increase reported An in villages of Measles 5/4/2011 been reported in the last three 345 cases of measles have Malaria 6/1/2011 in malaria cases has been an increase of 30 Dec As 2010, abad abad mam district Pradesh Chhattisgarh, Kar- Chhattisgarh, nataka and Andhra India Pradesh Andhra India Hyder- MaharashtraIndia Maharashtra Malaria Mumbai 2/6/2011 Malaria in malaria cases has been reported increase An in Maharash- 7/4/2011 between died in the state reported 185 people are have to India Pradesh Andhra Kham- India Maharashtra Mumbai Malaria 10/1/2011 been reported in high numbers Unusually of cases have India Gujarat, Maharashtra, India Pradesh Andhra Hyder- India Nadu Tamil Chennai Pneumonia 4/5/2011 number The of pneumonia has been reported. outbreak An Country Region Location Disease Reported Date

| 171 | Introduction Details eastern part of India, Nagaland with nine cases and three with nine cases and three Nagaland parteastern of India, deaths. district. He did not receive post-exposure vaccine at the at vaccine post-exposure He did not receive district. treatment but received hospital, government's Hyderabad he had suffered Also hospital in the next day. in the private injuries on his face. A person has sea port of India. on the south east coast nam, a dog. by been bitten dog in Mirchi Compound laxis after a stray being attacked by area. reported in Chennai. At least 20 people have died in the city least 20 people have At reported in Chennai. hospitals in General of 2011. in the first six month with rabies in 2010. reported Nadu rabies due to 12 deaths Tamil of 2011. four months nai in the first the horse has been Reportedly, Pradesh. Andhra alasa village, virus. with rabies infected post- He did not receive dog. of a stray the bite following vaccine. exposure A districtreported of dog bites. Godavari in East as a result shortage has been reported vaccines in the of the anti-rabies district hospitals during 2011. Apr reports are There that South Mizoram. town, dogs in Lunglei meat. for dogs being raised Mezoram 19/09/2011 typhus of scrup outbreak has been reported An in north- (dd/mm/yyyy) Rabies 27/07/2011 in the Khammam the dog bite has died following A boy Rabies 23/05/2011Rabies rabies another man died from media reports, to According 16/05/2011Rabies been have of rabies human deaths four 2011, of 16 May As 8/4/2011 suspected by rabid been bitten persons have least ten At shi disease) (Tsutsugamu- typhus Scrub mam district district district District Godavari Godavari Godavari Mizoram Lunglei India Pradesh Andhra Kham- India Pradesh Andhra India Nadu Tamil Chennai Rabies Rabies 1/7/2011 Visakhapat-reported has been rabies death first in the The 7/7/2011 with dogs has been cases associated in rabies increase An India Nagaland IndiaIndia Nadu Tamil Pradesh Andhra India Pradesh Andhra India East Rabies Pradesh Andhra RabiesIndia East 21/04/2011 25/05/2011 been reported in Chen- have rabies due to 15 human deaths Indiaat Banglav- others people and injured five A horse has bitten Pradesh Andhra Rabies 4/01/2011 prophy- anti-rabies post-exposure received 32 people have Country Region Location Disease Reported Date

| 172 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Details villages of Jogindernagar in Mandi district. villages of Jogindernagar in Mandi district. disease in Muzaffarpur. disease in Muzaffarpur. Orissa's Malkangiri district killing at least 16 persons, includ- Orissa's Malkangiri district killing least 16 persons, at included lumps on mouth and Symptoms ing 14 children. other parts of the body. northern islands of the Maldives. northern islands of the Maldives. reported. This represents a significant increase in incidence in incidence increase a significant represents This reported. 18 per rported the same period years. in the past two over 145 new weeks, In the last two DHF. of all cases were cent reported. cases were A fourth DHF has been reported due to dengue death dives. affected of the most serious cases have Many days. in two reported been in have deaths 300 cases and five children. year. of the month the first two ment of dengue has increased over the last three weeks. As As weeks. the last three over of dengue has increased ment been reported of 2421 cases have a total of 13 Sep 2011, deaths. with eleven since the beginning of the year. the beginning of the year. since ported. In 2009, there were 773 dengue cases reported from were there In 2009, ported. the country. around

4/01/2011 diarrhoea of acute has been reported outbreak An in the 16/03/2011 typhus scrub in by been infected than 200 people More have 22/07/2011 unknown died from have 54 children end of Jun 2011, Since 19/05/2011 unknown An Indian state eastern disease has affected (dd/mm/yyyy)

illness illness drome rhoeal syn- shi disease) Scrub typhusScrub Undiagnosed Undiagnosed Dengue fever 5/01/2011 re- deaths of 913 cases with two a total of 28 Dec As 2010, (Tsutsugamu- Undiagnosed

diar- Acute Dengue fever 13/09/2011 treat- the hospitals for at admitted number of patients The Dengue fever 10/02/2011 been reported and 217 cases of dengue have One death Dengue fever 5/07/2011 been 1289 cases have the beginning of the year, Since

Mal- wide kangiri district district Country-

Bihar Orissa India India Himachal Pradesh Mandi India Nepal Country Region Location Disease Reported Date Maldives Maldives Maldives Maldives and Male Haa Alif Maldives Dengue fever 30/06/2011 has been reported an outbreak in Mal- of 29 Jun 2011, As Maldives Maldives

| 173 | Introduction Details deaths have been reported over 29 districts been reported the throughout over have deaths country as of 31 Dec 2010. weeks. Many others have been admitted in different hospi- in different been admitted others have Many weeks. Kalopul Kalanki, Sitapaila, Kritipur, from are patients The tals. of the capital. and other locations Chitwan district. A total of 735 dengue cases and four deaths deaths of 735 dengue cases and four A total district. Chitwan Apr 2011. Apr 2010 and Chitwan between in confirmed were have been reported in Kanchanpur district. Another person Another been reported in Kanchanpurhave district. Rapti zone. has died in Jul 2011 in Dang, in Mahottari district. Swat Valley. The most affected is Bahrain, Swat. Swat. is Bahrain, most affected The Valley. Swat reached 2,670, 102. Also there have been a total of 250,244 been a total have there Also 102. 2,670, reached 2010. Aug since bloody diarrhoea cases, 21 reporting districts in KPK have more than 16 percent diar- 21 reporting than 16 percent more districts in KPK have the public health at rhoea consultations cases out of total diarrhoea the number of acute of 18 Jul 2011, As facilities. have there Also 3,391,969 countrywide. cases has reached Aug since of 312,290 bloody diarrhoeabeen a total cases, 2010. 152,590 cases of bloody diar- Also 1,533,814 cases. reached been reported. rhoea have

1/06/2011 diarrhoea the number of acute cases has 2011, of 30 May As 14/01/2011 of 65 A total 3972. to increased diarrhoea due to have Cases 24/08/2011 of Japanese encephalitis deaths three 2011, of 21 Aug As 30/08/2011 diarrhoea from in the suffering than 300 people More are 21/07/2011 12 out of rise Diarrhoea in KPK province. to cases continue 18/02/2011 diarrhoea the number of acute cases has 2011, of 18 Feb As (dd/mm/yyyy)

drome drome drome drome drome Measles 4/07/2011 than 400 children more of measles has affected outbreak An Japanese rhoeal syn- rhoeal syn- rhoeal syn- rhoeal syn- rhoeal syn- encephalitis Dengue fever 18/08/2011 been reported in of 17 cases have a total 2011, 16 Apr Since diar- Acute Cholera 8/07/2011 been reported in the past two have 11 cases of cholera

diar- Acute diar- Acute diar- Acute diar- Acute district district district chanpur

(KPK) (KPK) Bagmati Nepal Nepal Nepal Narayani Chitwan Nepal Mahakali and Rapti Kan- Nepal Janakpur Mahottari Pakistan Pakistan Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan Pakistan Country Region Location Disease Reported Date

| 174 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Details provinces of the country. of the country. provinces been reported from four different districts of Baluchistan, districts of Baluchistan, different been reported four from provinces. and Punjab Sindh KPK. Laboratory investigation is still ongoing. is still ongoing. Laboratory investigation KPK. samples stool Several partsported different of Pakistan. from Vibrio Cholerae for positive collected and tested were and KPK Sindh Punjab, Baluchistan, in AzadOgawa Kashmir, provinces. reported and hundreds of others are suffering from gastro- from reported suffering of others are and hundreds gas- Also parts in different of Mansehra district. enteritis been reported the neighboring from cases troenetritis have district of Battagram. Mirpurkhas, Sindh and in Bahawalpur, Punjab. Punjab. and in Bahawalpur, Sindh Mirpurkhas, Sindh. in case of CCHF the index follows This Baluchistan Province. Quetta hospital for who came to Afganistan, from a woman been cases have of four a total of 21 Sep As 2011, treatment. in Balochistan). and two in Sindh reported (two in Pakistan 1/06/2011 reported. 42 new cases were 2011, 26 May 20 to Between 5/05/2011 AWD have of outbreaks confirmed In Mar 2011, and Apr 15/06/2011 been reported from have cases of haemorrhagic fever Two 13/06/2011 been re- have cases of AWD and 2 Jun 2011, 27 May Between 21/09/2011 in Quetta, CCHF contracted A doctor is reported have to (dd/mm/yyyy) Cholera 16/08/2011 been reported in all cases have cholera 2011, of 8 Aug As Cholera 4/08/2011 been further three have cases of cholera 2011, of 4 Aug As Cholera 12/07/2011 been confirmed. have of 7 Jul 2011 2 cases of cholera As syndrome syndrome syndrome syndrome diarrhoeal diarrhoeal diarrhoeal rhagic fever rhagic fever Congo haem- Congo orrhagic fever watery Acute watery Acute watery Acute haemor- Acute Cholera 5/04/2011 in under investigation suspected are cases of cholera Several Crimean wide district district Country- Mansehra Mansehra

(KPK) (KPK) (KPK) Sindh Sindh Sindh Sindh and Punjab tunkhwa (KPK) and Khyber-Pakh- istan , Punjab, Sindh Sindh Punjab, istan , Pakistan Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan Sindh Baluchistan , Pakistan Pakistan Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan Baluch- Azad Kashmir, Pakistan Pakistan Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan and Sindh Punjab Cholera 4/05/2011 been reported in cases have cholera During 2011, the Apr Pakistan Pakistan Baluchistan and Country Region Location Disease Reported Date

| 175 | Introduction Details admitted to hospitals in Khuzdar. Two persons have died so persons have Two hospitals in Khuzdar. to admitted reportedly least 300 peoplefrom are at Also suffering far. been Both districts have in Zhob district. gastroenteritis and flooding. rains resent by affected severely Karachi, as of 9 Aug 2011. 2011. as of 9 Aug Karachi, ported cases in KPK). (including one caseand two in Sindh than 30 people More with dengue local hospitals in Karachi. months. in the last four been treated have symptoms 70. to creased has increased to 3335 in the Lahore city, capital of eastern capital of eastern city, 3335 in the Lahore to has increased province. Punjab the number of dengue cases has media reports, to cording of As including 681 cases in Lahore. 762 in Punjab, reached been reported in Sindh 138 dengue cases have 2011, 22 Aug Karachi. from 119 of which were this year, province Since City. Walled especially in the Northern and the Lahore been reported in have 86 cases of dengue fever Mar 2011, (including 44 in the first half of alone with one death Lahore 2011). Aug been reported. other suspected cases have least four At (dd/mm/yyyy) Gastroenteritis 7/09/2011 been have gastroenteritis, from suffering least 60 patients, At Dengue fever 15/06/2011 Dengue fever been re- have cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever Three 21/04/2011 been reported by have of suspected Cases dengue fever Diphtheria 18/02/2011 the number of diphtheria cases has in- 2011, of 18 Feb As Dengue fever 31/08/2011 Ac- of Pakistan. provinces Dengue is ongoing in several Dengue fever 16/08/2011 in Punjab cases has increased number of dengue fever The Dengue fever 15/08/2011 Dengue fever has been reported One dengue death Rawalpindi city. from 9/08/2011 been reported from cases have dengue fever least four At Dengue fever 5/09/2011 cases number of dengue fever the total of 5 Sep As 2011, districts and Zhob

Sindh Sindh Sindh Sindh Sindh Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) htunkhwa (KPK) and Pakistan and Khyber- Sindh Pakistan Pakistan Pakistan Baluchistan Khuzdar Pakistan Khyber-Pak- Punjab, Pakistan Punjab PakistanPakistan Punjab Pakistan Punjab Country Region Location Disease Reported Date

| 176 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Details KPK provinces. Northern (Gilgit-Baltistan) also reported Areas KPK provinces. of 197 cases have a total 33, of week As 2011. 30 cases in Aug been reported in Pakistan. in Pakistan, since the flooding started in Jul 2010. In Jan 2011, In Jan 2011, the flooding started since in Jul 2010. in Pakistan, Balochistan. been reported Quetta, from cases have four been reported in 301 cases have and Mar 2011, During Feb Khushab and Mianwali districts of Punjab. Chakwal, been reported in Pakistan. 287 cases have been reported from Diamer, 18 cases from 18 cases from been reported Diamer, from 287 cases have Ghizer. Gilgit and 26 cases from of Haripur locations district with 15 and 20 cases different suspected Another case has been reported in respectively. district. Sibi Baluchistan, reported in Lowe Dir district. Dir district. reported in Lowe started rains the heavy since in Jul 2010. 1,037,138, to 31 Dec Between and 6 Jan 2011, been reported. malaria have and be reported to high malaria in Punjab cases continue and Kech districtsJaffarabad in Balochistan. 963. number of cases bringingto the total been reported, 26 been reported with 31 deaths. cases of measles have outbreaks. by been affected districts have 7/02/2011 been 46 suspected cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis have 17/03/2011 been reported number of leishmaniasis have increasing An (dd/mm/yyyy) Mumps 10/3/2011 been reported in have outbreaks separate two 2011, In Feb Measles 15/02/2011 2011, of 8 Feb As Measles on rise in Gilgit cases are Balstistan. - cutaneous - cutaneous Leishmaniasis Leishmaniasis Leishmaniasis Leishmaniasis Pertussis 30/08/2011 Balochistan and of pertussis Outbreaks ongoing in Sindh, are Malaria Malaria 10/03/2011 number of suspected total malaria The cases has increased 11/01/2011 Measles of 717,447 cases of suspected a total of 10 Jan 2011, As Measles 23/06/2011 77 new cases of measles have 10 - 16 Jun Between 2011, 23/05/2011 Measles of 756 confirmed a total 2011, Dec16 May 2010 to Since 5/05/2011 of 195 measles alerts a total have 2011, 1 Mar28 Apr to From trict stistan district district, district, Quetta, Quetta, Haripur Sibi dis- Sibi Chakwal, Chakwal, Khushab, Khushab, Mianwali Lower Dir Lower

(KPK) Areas Punjab tunkhwa (KPK) and Khyber-Pakh- (KPK) and Northern istan , Punjab, Sindh Sindh Punjab, istan , Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Baluchistan Pakistan Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan Northern Areas Gilgit Bal- Pakistan Baluchistan and Pakistan Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan Baluchistan , , Sindh Pakistan Pakistan Pakistan Pakistan Baluch- Islamabad, Pakistan Country Region Location Disease Reported Date

| 177 | Introduction Details children in Swabi (KPK) and from six districts of Sindh - Dadu, six districts (KPK) and from - Dadu, of Sindh in Swabi children TandoAllaYar. and Mirpurkhas, Kashmore, Hyderabad, Ghotki, been reported in 35 have 10,831 new cases of tuberculosis 2011 (the number has districts during Feb Pakistan across prov- Punjab The month). with previous doubled compared of the reported 86 per cent cases. for accounted ince BHU Bassu Mera, KPK. On investigation and active surveil- On investigation KPK. BHU Bassu Mera, been found. cases have more three lance recorded with 39 deaths. Of reported these 1394 cases were with 39 deaths. recorded reported Most from of the cases were during 2011. Apr (1485). Colombo Gilgit Baltistan due to contaminated water sources. sources. water contaminated Gilgit Baltistan due to of the year this month. During Jul 2011, a total of 3639 cases a total During Jul 2011, this month. of the year number of cases bringingin 2011 to the total reported, 13,887. of 9083 cases with 69 deaths a total of 23 Jun 2011, As cases. reported in Apr, 1763 were Of these, been reported. have and Gam- Colombo 2011. 1956 in Jun and 2286 cases in May 3413 and 1113 cases respectively. for paha accounted All cases were reported between 1 to 7 Apr 2011 from UC reported2011 from 7 Apr 1 to between cases were All Dheri area. Julagram and mucous diarrhoea have been reported in Batticaloa. been reported diarrhoeain Batticaloa. and mucous have

15/02/2011 14 cases of bloody and flooding, rains the heavy Following (dd/mm/yyyy)

drome rhoeal syn- Typhoid feverTyphoid 26/05/2011 been reported in have 16 cases of suspected typhoid fever Pertussis Tuberculosis 29/03/2011 85 cases of suspected pertussis been reported among have 20/06/2011 has been reported in tuberculosis increase An in Pakistan. fever Typhoid 13/06/2011reported were in fever cases of confirmed Seven typhoid Dengue fever 23/06/2011 in dengue has been an increase there 2011, end of Apr Since Dengue fever 3/05/2011 been of 4472 cases of dengue have a total 2011, of 3 May As fever Typhoid 14/04/2011 being investigated. are 50 suspected cases of typhoid fever diar- Acute Dengue fever 1/08/2011 Sri Lanka has reported the highest number of dengue cases Baltistan

paha (KPK) (KPK) Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Pakistan and Khyber- Sindh Pakistan Punjab Pakistan Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan Northern Areas Gilgit Pakistan Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Country Region Location Disease Reported Date Sri Lanka and Gam- Colombo Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Batticaloa Sri Lanka

| 178 | South Asia Disaster Report 2011 Details Sri Lanka has increased to 488. One more deaths has been deaths One more Sri Lanka 488. to has increased in reported increase cases oc- most recent The reported. (73 cases). in Kurunegala curred to 1722 with 18 deaths. The majority of cases were reported majorityThe of cases were 1722 with 18 deaths. to (118). Gampaha (212) and Puttalam (616), Colombo from (383), High number of cases reported Colombo from ported. (103). Gampaha (134) and Puttalam been reported had already the region A death from region. It is of the disease. symptoms with other cases showing reser- (water Tank of Maradankulama reported entrance that is being restricted. voir) of 708 cases a total of 4 Mar As 2011, during the past week. most The been reported in the country. have and 11 deaths by followed district (224 cases), affected Kurunegala remains (50 cases). (55 cases) and Colombo Anuradhapura ported in the country and 60 deaths were among them. The The ported among them. in the country were and 60 deaths reported was Kurune- from 1386, highest number of cases, died in the district the due to people have Ten gala district. reported was highest number of deaths from The disease. of died and a total Gampaha district 11 people have where been reported. 379 cases have half of the reported Almost 1241 with 11 deaths. to creased (568). Kurunegala from cases were (dd/mm/yyyy) Dengue fever 14/02/2011 been re- have 1105 cases and 13 deaths Leptospirosis 2011, of 11 Feb As 14/09/2011 Chilaw coast, in the western is spreading Leptospirosis Dengue fever 1/03/2011 the number of dengue cases has increased of 1 Mar As 2011, Leptospirosis 14/03/2011 Leptospirosis cases in Srilanka number of leptospirosis total has in- The 7/03/2011 A further cases has been reported in leptospirosis increase Leptospirosis 19/08/2011 been re- have 4779 cases of leptospirosis So far this year

Gampaha and Puttalam and Colombo hapura and Colombo hapura Country Region Location Disease Reported Date Sri Lanka Gampaha Colombo, Sri Lanka Puttalam Sri Lanka and Kurunegala Sri Lanka Kurunegala Leptospirosis 2/03/2011 cases in number of leptospirosis the total 2011, of 28 Feb As Sri Lanka Gampaha Puttalam, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Anurad- Kurunegala,

| 179 | Introduction Details of Srilanka has reported of 417 cases of leptospirosis a total most cases reportedThe Colombo from deaths. with three (32), Ratnapura (39) Anuradhapura (41), Kurunegala (42), died have people Sothree far Gampaha(25). Kegalle and (29) with leptospirosis. reported hospital has eight Vavuniya districts. flood affected Kilinoch- and one from Mullattivu cases (including one from district Anuradhapura has reported 25 cases and another ci). reported Polonnaruwa. from six cases were (dd/mm/yyyy) Source-Nthnac outbreak Report outbreak Source-Nthnac Leptospirosis 25/02/2011 the Ministry and Nutrition of Healthcare 2011, of 25 Feb As Leptospirosis 23/02/2011 been reported from cases have Suspected leptospirosis Vavuniya and Kurunegala Polonnaruwa and Polonnaruwa Kegalla, Ratnapura Kegalla, Colombo, Gampaha, Gampaha, Colombo, linochchi, Mullaittivu, Mullaittivu, linochchi, Country Region Location Disease Reported Date Sri Lanka Ki- Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka Anuradhapura,

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Est. Damage Damage Est. (US$ Million) Affected Affected Nepal Afghanistan Industrial Accident Industrial Transport Accident Transport Appendix-VIII Miscellaneous accident accident Miscellaneous Fire 19/03/2011Fire 19/03/2011 9/12/2011 Huts 9/12/2011 15 Hospital 89 10 90 Fire 20/11/2011 20/11/2011 14 40 Other 8/11/2011 8/11/2011 Crush 16 46 Other 14/01/2011 14/01/2011 Crush 100 75 Collapse 22/10/2011 23/10/2011 Bridge 32 Collapse 22/10/2011 22/10/2011 Bridge 42 4 Type Type Type Sub Start End Name Killed Tot. cident cident cident cident cident cident cident Miscellaneous ac- Miscellaneous ac- Transport accidentTransport Road 20/08/2011 20/08/2011 35 24 Transport accidentTransport Road 14/05/2011 14/05/2011 21 Man-made in South 2011 Disasters Asia ing province province) (Kerala state) ... state) (Kerala IndiaIndia Naisingpara Miscellaneous ac- Calcutta Miscellaneous ac- India Haridwar Miscellaneous ac- India Delhi New Miscellaneous ac- IndiaIndia Darjeel- Near Sabarimala Nepal Gorkha district Miscellaneous ac- Pakistan Balouchistan Industrial Accident Explosion 20/03/2011 20/03/2011 mine Coal 43 Country Country Location Afghanistan Kandahar Afghanistan (Balkh Hesarak Afghanistan Zaboul accident Transport Road 28/04/2011 28/04/2011 20 33

| 181 | Introduction 2 Est. Damage Damage Est. (US$ Million) Affected Affected India Nepal Pakistan Bangladesh Type Type Type Sub Start End Name Killed Tot. Transport accidentTransport Road 11/7/2011 11/7/2011 31 6 Transport accidentTransport Road 7/7/2011 7/7/2011 35 39 Transport accidentTransport Rail 10/7/2011 10/7/2011 68 100 Transport accidentTransport accidentTransport Air 26/05/2011 Air 26/05/2011 19/04/2011 19/04/2011 Helicopter 18 10 5 Transport accidentTransport Road 5/1/2011 5/1/2011 22 19 Transport accidentTransport Air 25/09/2011 25/09/2011 Beechcraft 19 Transport accidentTransport Road 13/10/2011 13/10/2011 43 Transport accidentTransport Water 16/08/2011 16/08/2011 23 Transport accidentTransport Road 14/08/2011 14/08/2011 15 20 dou trict trict (Siraha) (near Delhi) (near Chin ... (near Chin Source- Emergency Database(EM-DAT)Centre for research on Epidemiology of Disaster(CRED),Belgium Accessed on September-3,2012.Data version :v12.07 on September-3,2012.Data version of Disaster(CRED),Belgium on Epidemiology Accessed research for Emergency Database(EM-DAT)Centre Source- rai (Chittag ... (Chittag rai Lucknow (U ... Lucknow (Uttarakhan ... gar (Uttar Pra ... gar (Uttar Pra IndiaIndia Chennai Kanshiramna- accident Transport Rail 13/09/2011 13/09/2011 10 52 India near Fatehpur, India Kamrupdistrict accident Transport Road 30/05/2011 30/05/2011 28 10 IndiaIndia district Twang Dehradun Near India Faridabad Nepal Katman- Near Nepal dis- Sindhuli Nepal Kamala river Pakistan Lasbella dis- Pakistan region Penajb accident Transport Road 26/09/2011 26/09/2011 30 55 Pakistan Mirpur accident Transport Road 10/6/2011 10/6/2011 15 Country Country Location Bangladesh Mirersho- Near Bangladesh accident Transport Water 21/04/2011 21/04/2011 Ferry 32 20

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